Real Oviedo winger Saúl Berjón today appeared in the Press Room at El Requexón.
You've started training in groups today. What differences are you noticing compared to last week?.
- The mere fact of having contact with people means it's different, and we will be grateful for it. We are taking it step by step, getting training sessions under our belts.
On an individual level, how do you feel physically?.
- We were stopped for a long time, and we have to take it little by little. It's the start of a preseason period and our physical levels will improve each week.
How were the negotiations to extend your contract? Have you discussed renewing for next season, or is it being left until this situation is over?.
- It was easy, we have to lend a hand to get out of this situation. It was easy to reach an agreement and there was no need to negotiate anything. We talked with Arnau about renewing for next year, but right now, with things how they are, it's not the right time. It's an atypical situation.
Injuries are making the news in the return to action in the Bundesliga. Is it an added worry for footballers? How is this mini preseason going for you, having returned from injury?.
- It's worrying. In Germany they had spent this time training and they've had a lot of injuries. We spent almost two months at home and I don't want to imagine what the return to action will be like. That's why we need a preseason and longer than people think. We need to be doing well physically when we start competing again, otherwise this will be chaos. It's been good for me though, since I couldn't do preseason after my operation, and this time will help me in order to get match fit.
How has moving onto the next phase and being able to work in groups changed the dynamic? Is it something you missed after more than two months training alone?.
- You miss it a lot. Football alone, without fans... there are a lot of things being done that make it not seem like football. Being back now, even in smaller groups, makes your days more enjoyable and you can play real football.
As captain, what is your opinion on everything going on, with the conflicts between the different factions within football?.
- Given the health crisis we are living through, I believe that it is time to be united, leave the differences to one side, and try to solve all this. More people are dying each day and the most important thing is people's health. Even though there are people out there who think one hundred is not a lot, one hundred is a huge amount (of people).
How do you approach the possible return to competition?.
- LaLiga is starting for us, with three points available each match, but it will be different. Scoring a goal and not being able to celebrate with your fans is a bit strange, for want of a better word. It's what we have to do, eleven 'cup finals' are coming up.
