The Press Room at El Requexón today hosted Cuco Ziganda's press conference, ahead of tomorrow's fixture against Ponferradina.

The Real Oviedo Head Coach began by analysing the current state of Arribas, explaining that "he had fatigue all week, but the rest and treatment he has received mean that we have him available for tomorrow."

The Gaffer was then asked how he felt about his team's performance in the Copa del Rey fixture. He admitted that "what I took from it was the attitude and seriousness with with they approached the game. I liked the hunger they went out there with and how they bounced back from the goal. We got forward, played with tempo, and showed quality. I am focusing on that, and on the anger they celebrated the goals with. They didn't care who the opponent was or which ground it was. They saw it as an opportunity for themselves."

With just a few weeks remaining before the end of 2020, the Coach tried to decide which was his best moment so far in charge of the team. He reasoned that "survival last year was important, because we had a lot against us. We are taking it step by step this year and improving little by little. We are now climbing up steps, and we hope to continue this progress. We need to get points and then see where we can get to. It's difficult to pick out just one game. With respect to the result and the playing style... there are two or three, but if I had to pick one it would be the Racing one. In football you always enjoy victories a lot, but we all enjoyed it that day."

Regarding the importance of getting a victory to reinforce the good atmosphere which has built up around the team in recent months, Ziganda said that "it would be good for everybody. Ponferradina will also want the victory, and we will have to battle for it. We are focusing on ourselves and on the confidence and points we have been gaining. It's about getting wins, picking up points, and having a playing style." In addition, discussing Ponferradina, the Coach highlighted that "La Ponfe are an established side and have got the hang of the division. They never let their heads drop. They have a solid core, and a match winner in Yuri, and that gives them stability. It will be an even match and we have to be alert to the finer details. We want to go for the three points and reaffirm the good feeling we've had in recent months."

Asked how he is feeling on an individual level, the Coach declared that "I am really enjoying the daily work, training, and the pressure of the demanding results at the start. I am aware of the responsibility I have. You can feel the affection and love Oviedistas have for their team. I am proud to be here. It's a magnificent squad, they have a fantastic attitude."

Now approaching the transfer, market, and in light of a possible reduction to the budget available to make new signings, Ziganda believes that "you have to adapt to the conditions you have. We have our feet on the ground and are aware of what there is. We know what we are doing. We have to be ambitious, but the financial situation guides you in terms of knowing the kind of territory you are working in. If there is a place in the squad available and an opportunity, then we won't turn down a player who improves on what we have."

Finally, asked about Rafa Mujica and his intention to remain at the club, the Coach said that "it's important that he wants to stay. We have four strikers, each in different conditions and who each give us alternatives. I haven't used him a lot. There is a lot of competition and Rafa hasn't played much, but he knows the options he has and how the professional world works. He has to train. Nobody has their place guaranteed, and we will pick whoever is doing best, even if they all start off with the same conditions."