The Press Room at the Carlos Tartiere today hosted the official presentation of Sergio Egea as Head Coach of Real Oviedo.
The Argentinian was accompanied by Joaquín del Olmo, who wanted to beginthe Press Conference by clarifying three points about Anquela’s departure from Real Oviedo: “it was a dismissal. We had written ‘mutual consent’ in the statement so that he’d accept it, but later his lawyer said that we had to change it for unemployment reasons. Later on, he was offered this Press Room to give a press conference at 12:00 on Tuesday, but he said that he wasn’t interested and didn’t want to. Finally, he told us not to let the Press into El Requexón while he was saying his farewells to the squad, to avoid photos of him with a rubbish bag full of his belongings. If he speaks away from the club’s facilities then that’s not our problem. I wanted to clear it up because it’s created controversy. We haven’t lied and there is no mistake in the statement. There was an agreement where we’d settled on one thing, but then one side let down their side of the deal.”
Following this introduction, Joaquín del Olmo presented Sergio Egea, highlighting that “he’s back home. He’s accepted the proposal and is coming in at a very tough time. That’s the reality, but he didn’t have any doubts and we are delighted. He’s got a good challenge ahead of him, and we wish him all the luck he needs to make us all happy.”
For his part, the Argentinian said that he was “very happy to be here”, and stated that, “I feel loved in this city. I have a very big responsibility ahead of me, since I want us to be up there and the fans to enjoy it. Oviedo is a fantastic place to live in and is a great footballing city, with huge values. All coaches are prisoners to their results and nobody is safe from the sack, but we will try to work as well as possible. I’ve found a very organised club, with marvellous facilities and a very committed squad. Life is about challenges. I’m here thanks to Arturo (Elías) and Joaquín (del Olmo) and I will be working on steering this giant vessel. Together we can make Real Oviedo great, with faith and the will to overcome the sense of anxiety. We will be competing from Saturday; fighting and with everybody pushing in the same direction. If we miss out then it won’t be because of hunger and intention. We are going to fight for the playoffs, because that’s what Oviedo has to achieve.”
Regarding the chances he believes his team to have of taking one of the playoff places, the Coach called for a focus on “Almería first, and then we have to keep competing. There are surprises at the end of any season and everything becomes tighter. We have a very good squad. We are not inferior to anybody and we are going to compete. We have honest players in our changing room and we will go for the win in these seven matches.”
Asked about his working methods, Sergio Egea commented that, “the coaching staff have to get their message through to the players, so that they can compete on the pitch. We are focused on the seven matches, and in the future we will talk about other things. We believe in our work and in the group’s direction.” In addition, with respect to the way of approaching matches, the Argentinian highlighted that, “I am looking for a daring, brave, meticulous Real Oviedo. We are getting our message through to the lads and we will go for the win. Real Oviedo is a huge club and it has to behave like one. We have a good squad and we have to make them believe they can get the victory.”
Regarding the significance of a potential victory at the Juegos del Mediterráneo, Egea reasoned that, “this division is very even and there’s very little difference between the teams, but we have to have a winning mentality. Every match is key at a club like this, and there is a responsibility. We have to focus on producing a good match and competing.”
Ahead of a possible change in formation, the Coach said that, “there are players who can play in different ways in this squad, but I leave that all to one side. I like to have a solid formation so that all the other tactics can work out well. I want them to believe in their chances and be professional. We are in what is a first-division club and I think we’ve got what we need to fight to be up at the top.” In addition, asked whether he preferred to play with two strikers, Egea admitted that, “we are analysing the options. We have three strikers here, plus Steven, and they will be able to link up more if we play with two. We have quality footballers and we’re going to try to play good football. We’re the same in defence too, so we’ll work out which is the best option. They’ve been playing five at the back, which is positive, but we’ll look for whatever’s best for the team.”
Asked for a message for the fans going into the run-in, Sergio commented that, “they have to be optimistic, have faith and believe. This fanbase has suffered in the past but has always been with the team. Together we can achieve great things, but the group is the basis for everything. This squad is going to give it everything. The team is going to respond.”
Regarding differences apparent in the club between his first and second spells, the Argentinian believes that, “there is much more quality in all areas and great professionals. The facilities are amazing and a pleasure to work in. The offices have changed and everything is growing. It’s great that Arturo and Joaquín have arrived. They are here to stay and to make this great. They’re on the right track and I’m sure that with time they will achieve all of their aims.”
Finally, with respect to Arturo Elías’ remarks prior to Egea rejoining the club, the Coach concluded by saying that, “he likes the team to go for the win. He’s very demanding and that’s where we are going to build from. I am always looking to grow. Playing in the playoffs would be very important for Real Oviedo, the fans and the city.”
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