Real Oviedo Head Coach Cuco Ziganda today appeared in the Press Room at El Requexón ahead of the Albacete match.
It's a new week of training with Albacete the target on the horizon. How is the team doing on a morale level?
- The team is fine. It is working well and with energy. It's true that good results bring you greater happiness, and that's what we've been lacking in these matches so far. With respect to hard work and excitement, they show it, and they are hungry to get the first victory.
You are travelling to face a team that hasn't started the season at all well. Does that help or hinder you?
- You never know. Urgency exists in football right from Day 1. There's a long way to go. In reality we should still be in preseason, since we only played four friendly matches. We need to stay calm, especially those within the club. There is a lot of time left and those who are inside make more noise. We need to keep cool heads and to know where we want to go.
What aspect of Albacete would you highlight? Do you think Real Oviedo go into Saturday's match under pressure?
- There is always pressure. All of the matches are important, but it's well-meaning pressure. The fans want to see their team. We represent a city and its fans, and they are excited to see their team. It's clear that we would like to be doing better, but there's a long time to improve. We have to stay calm, take it match by match, and improve, so as to be as complete as possible.
Are you planning changes to the starting eleven, with players now back available and new signings now having more training sessions under their belts?
- We'll see. It's clear that adding people in will make the team more complete, but we will look at it according to how we see each of them.
The other day you talked about the adaptation period for the latest signings. Having had a week here now, are they more integrated with the squad?
- We want them to be adapted within a week, it all counts, but the adaptation isn't a two or three week thing. We want to see the new players, but they have to be ready.
Is there any news about the off-field steps needed for Leschuk to be able to play? If so, do you think he's physically ready to play in Albacete?
- He's not ready to play 90 minutes, but we hope he'll be available for Albacete. He is going to give us physical power and experience.
Does Aburjania have a chance of playing, and what impact will him missing the derby after being called up for Georgia have? Will the club negotiate the possibility of him not going on international duty, as it did with Bárcenas previously?
- I don't know. The normal thing is for him to go away with his nation. Every team needs its players, but we have to respect the international dates. With Aburjania we have more players there and there is not so much urgency. It's one option we have and we will look at it.
What impact might a victory or a defeat have before facing Sporting?
- I am only thinking about Albacete.
What are you asking of Javi Mier in his new position? Are you happy with his performances?
- I am very happy with his performances, he has some very good qualities. He understands the game and can play in any position. He's very versatile. He has energy and does his job, I'm very happy with him. The work he does is exceptional and I hope he keeps going like this. We want people like him, who are hungry and contribute.
How are Marco Sangalli and Nahuel doing physically? Do they have a chance of starting now?
- They're doing better and they have a chance of starting. We have to think about it. Viti is in good form. They are improving and each week multiplies their day-to-day work.
If Oviedo could make only one signing before the transfer window closes, which position would you strengthen?
- If a signing comes then it would be someone to improve the quality in the squad.