Real Oviedo Head Coach Cuco Ziganda appeared in the Press Room at El Requexón today ahead of his first Copa del Rey match in charge of the club.

Ziganda began by saying that "we have to put our full focus on the cup, because it is an opportunity for the club to keep growing, to become seen, and for us to represent it." In addition, he stated that "it's going to be an opportunity for those players who have been less involved, and a chance for them to prove themselves. I am giving the cup the importance it deserves, for the club and for the players who will get their opportunity."

The Gaffer declared his support for the format of the knockout competition, arguing that "it gives it a special feel. Everything becomes a lot more even. You saw it last year. There are always surprises. I think that it opens the door for any team to get through to the next round."

CD Coria are the Asturians' opponent in the first round of the Copa del Rey. Regarding the Extremaduran side, Ziganda highlighted that "they are one of the strong teams in their division and are looking to go up to the Segunda B. Coria have good players for their league. We have to respect them a lot. They are excited and motivated and will give it 100%."

Asked whether he would make changes to the starting eleven, and whether Real Oviedo Vetusta players would be in the matchday squad, the Coach said that "some of the B team players will travel with us. It's a shame that a couple of others can't because of things that happened at the weekend. The way of playing and ideas have to be the same. We aren't here to try different styles, it takes time for them to be effective. We are working in the same way and looking for continuity, even if we are going to change individual players. It will be an opportunity for those who haven't been playing."

With respect to specific players, such as Grippo, Aburjania and Rodri, Cuco Ziganda highlighted that "Simone (Grippo) isn't ready to play. Alejandro (Arribas) got a knock the other day, we aren't sure about him, and we will see after training. Aburjania is fit and is likely to start. It's not a test for him, but it is a chance for him to feel like a footballer again. I think Rodri is ready to start. It's not easy to come in at 100%, especially with other players in a full match rhythm, and this is a good match for

him. He needs to get match fit and we hope that tomorrow, when he will start, he will make the most of the minutes he gets."

Regarding the presence of fans in the stands and the extra motivation resulting from that after having gone so long without playing in front of supporters, the Coach reasoned that "of course it will be a motivation. It's not a big ground and you will feel the atmosphere. It will be a strange feeling, but the thing that makes football what it is is the way people in which live it. We hope that the health and safety protocols are respected and that everyone is responsible."

Finally, asked about a possible conversation to extend his Real Oviedo contract, Ziganda commented that "it's not a question which I can answer. It's still soon and we are not focused on that. We are thinking about the day-to-day work and about tomorrow. Today is one thing, but we know how things can change. The important thing is that we are all happy."