Real Oviedo Head Coach Cuco Ziganda appeared in the Press Room today at El Requexón, ahead of Saturday's fixture against Almería.
With time having now passed since the Tenerife match, the Gaffer analysed the effect on the dressing room caused by the setback at the Heliodoro Rodríguez López. "We were hurt, very hurt. It was a tough defeat to take. We weren't at the necessary level in Tenerife. It was a big drop-off. We are aware that we have another opportunity this weekend and we can't be feeling sorry for ourselves. We are focused on Saturday and on standing up to a great team."
Regarding how his team was going into the Almería game, Ziganda highlighted that "Brugman hasn't been ruled out. He's working gradually and avoiding movements which are bothering him. We aren't going to know until the last minute. Meanwhile, Mati (Matheus Aiás) is working little by little. He's got a deceptive injury, and any movement can cause you pain. He's doing better, but he won't be ready for the weekend. Tomeu (Nadal) has had a knock. He's not training, but we hope to have him available for the weekend."
Asked about Almería's run of form, the Coach stressed that "we focus on our own business. They have a squad that can achieve anything in the division. They aren't getting the results (recently), but they are still maintaining the same style and tempo of play. The match is a difficult one, but we are motivated and focused. It's been a difficult month, we know that, but we are motivated. We have been playing well, and we hope to do the same on Saturday."
Discussing the fans' support and what he asks of them going into Saturday, Ziganda commented "I can't ask them for anything, they are always behind us. There weren't too many people there last time out, but there was noise and a certain 'chemistry'. The people that go the ground always push us on. They get behind us when they see that we are aggressive and go for the win. Almería are going to put us under pressure and we are going to have to battle, but they will keep us in it."
Finally, asked about the match's importance going into the remainder of the season, the Coach responded that "it's not a 'cup final'. We are in January and we know that all of the matches are important, but there will still be a long way to go. We have to live each match as if it were the last, because you don't get a second chance at them. No matter what happens we will keep fighting, there are objectives to reach on every level. There will still be a lot of time for everything."
