Real Oviedo striker, José Verdú Nicolás, ‘Toché’, appeared in the Press Room at El Requexón following the latest training session.
The forward from Murcia began by discussing his feelings following last Monday’s draw against Zaragoza. “It’s been a short week and it’s passed quickly. We’re looking forward to the next game. We didn’t feel great after the last match but we came out of it with a point. We’ve processed it and will travel with the intention of picking up something positive from Barcelona.”
Talking about the goals the team has conceded just after taking the lead, the striker declared that, “it keeps happening to us, but we have been talking about it and the team has to be more professional. The other day
we had the situation under control, and then we conceded twice and didn’t know how to recover. No team has outplayed Real Oviedo this season and we must keep going in this fashion.” In addition, talking about the team’s
great attacking threat, Toché stated that, “we can’t rely on scoring lots of goals in order to win; we have to concede less. It’s a criticism towards everyone, we know we have potential and we have to make the most of
our chances.”
When asking about the players that returned to training with the group this week, and what it meant going into the coming matchday, the forward said that, “we barely had 18 players, and now we need everyone. There are people who need to step up and show that they can play and that they are important. This Sunday is a new battle and we’ll be up for it.”
With regard to the next opponent, Barcelona B, and their playing style, the forward said that, “they have a definite philosophy and we can’t allow them to feel comfortable on the ball. With intensity and thought we can catch
them out. They have made good signings. They have a lot of potential up front, and at the back they have great players. We are going to try t stop them enjoying their day, and try to close the match professionally.”
Finally, when questioned regarding the physical condition of the team and whether having so many matches in such a short period would make the group tired, the attacker said that, “if we are tired after Matchday 7 then we
may as well give up and go home. The team is fine physically. The match the other day was very intense, and now with players coming back we can rotate a bit.” In addition, with respect to his impressions after the
first few matches, Toché said that, “I am playing the same as last year. I’m grateful to have the Coach’s confidence, and am trying to repay him with goals. Now we must keep going, work hard, and push on.”
