Real Oviedo Head Coach Cuco Ziganda today appeared in the Press Room at El Requexón.
Following the first three training sessions of the week, the Coach began by analysing the atmosphere around the team. "We are aware of the situation we are in. We have nine 'cup finals' left to play and we have to go for it in the next match. We suffered a big setback the other day. We have to bounce back and make sure that we are aware of the importance of Saturday's match."
Regarding recent results and what the team needs in order to turn the situation around, Ziganda reasoned that "we have been lacking a bit of everything. When you have the same feeling after matches but the result is still the same, it means there is something you aren't doing right. We have to be demanding. We are missing something, because we haven't been able to take advantage when we have dominated matches. We have to attack better, be better-organised in defence, and reduce the number of mistakes. This is football and the important thing is being clinical in the opposition's area and focused in your own. We haven't been able to win games lately. We have to get it right and win."
Asked about the table and the gap between the team and the relegation zone, the Gaffer stated that "we have a small cushion. All we are thinking about is Saturday's match. It would be a boost for our confidence and morale if we moved further away from the teams at the bottom. That's what we want. It's clear that the teams at the top get a lot of points and give little away. It seems hard to get points. We mustn't focus on a number. We have to make sure that we are not depending on anybody else at the end of the¡ season."
With respect to the feelings among the fans, the Coach reasoned that "it's normal for them to be worried given how much they care about the team. We didn't expect to be in this situation, but we have got ourselves into it. We have to remember that we are not an easy team to beat. We are not soft, and we have to trust these players and believe in the good things we do. There are nine matches to go and we have to move away from trouble and make sure that we are just depending on ourselves come the end of the season. There is no such thing as poor form, it's all about beating Las Palmas."
Asked about the presence of Javi Cueto and Alex Cardero in this week's first-team training sessions, the Gaffer highlighted that "I know Javi quite well and he's contributing a lot to the B team. He's a mature lad who is hungry to learn. He's an out-and-out striker who lives for goals. He's important to the B team and growing each day. We need add something up front and he's an option we have. We will decide for Saturday. Alex has had an injury but he started the year very well. He has to pick up fitness and get minutes for the B team. He knows how to play football. He's excited, and I like seeing them work up close. We know them, but it's good for us to be able to see them and get to know their main qualities. They are talented lads, who support Real Oviedo, and it's important for us to keep a close eye on them."
Finally, regarding the next opponent, Las Palmas, Ziganda highlighted that "they are in good form and playing well. They have stepped it up since Jesé arrived. He's a match-winner in this division. Jesé is a different type of player, and he's played in the Champions League. When he gets the ball there is a sense of danger and quality. He's giving them confidence and threat in attack."
