Real Oviedo Head Coach Cuco Ziganda today appeared in the Press Room at El Requexón and responded to questions put to him by the media ahead of the Almería game.
The Coach began by providing an update on the state of his squad ahead of the fixture against the Andalusians, saying that "we have some players with knocks, although we still have a couple of days to see if they make it. Viti, Javi Mier and Juanjo (Nieto) will be out. Gustavo (Blanco Leschuk) hasn't been able to train and we'll have to see if he can today."
Regarding the differing levels of participation of members of his squad over the course of the season, Ziganda argued that "apart from two or three of them they've all had chances. There is a core of the squad which competes and participates regularly. They are all important, particularly in this month of the season. They all have to be ready to put in a good performance; that's what a squad is for. The team has shown what it can do, it's just lacking the points." In addition, asked about the physical condition of the squad at this stage of the season, the Coach reasoned that "we're doing well and the data shows it. The team shows signs of being ingood physical condition and demonstrates it on a daily basis."
Asked about Borja Valle and his lack of gametime since arriving in January, the Gaffer explained that "he plays in a position where we have a lot of competition. We are using him as an impact player. I make decisions based on how I feel. Borja Sánchez and Nahuel are starting games. It's not easy because of our form, and because we are not at our best in our link-up play. Borja Valle would benefit from a possession game, but he has to be an important player. He has things that other players don't have."
Regarding the playing style and possible changes for the match at the Juegos Mediterráneos stadium, Ziganda stated that "it could be an option, but we won't make huge changes. We don't need to change our defensive foundations, they are settled."
Discussing the next opponent, Almería, Ziganda highlighted that "they play good football and have a lot of quality. There are times when results go your way and times when the opposite is true. That's what's happened to Almería. They haven't won games by chance, they are one of the best teams in the division. They have a complete side and play very good football. They have a new coach now. We know him and he is a great coach. Rubí is organised, knows what he wants, and is experienced."
Asked whether Real Oviedo's remaining fixtures can be considered to be 'cup finals', the Coach commented that "there are eight teams involved in the battle. The gaps are smaller now and there are less chances to get points. The margins are going to be fine, but we have to maintain the gap and keep it in our own hands. There is no point feeling sorry for ourselves. All we can do is focus on the next match."
Finally, talking about his dismissal against Girona last weekend, Ziganda said that "I made a serious mistake. I would like to apologise to the squad and to the club. It's not a red card, but I shouldn't have stood up to the referee and got sent off. It was a mistake on my part."
