Real Oviedo Head Coach Cuco Ziganda appeared in the Press Room at the Tartiere, ahead of Saturday's fixture against Mirandés.
What have you made of Nahuel in these first two sessions? Do you think he has a chance of being involved with the team this weekend?
- It's very little time. We've done specific work with him and seen his hunger and excitement. It's too soon to say the condition he's come here in, but he's not ruled out of the match in Miranda. We will decide tomorrow.
With Nahuel's arrival, are you considering what Cedric or Borja could contribute in positions other than the left wing?
- Yes, it gives us other alternatives. Nahuel can play through the centre or on the wing. Borja can also play on the left wing but also infield. It's about having alternatives and looking for different options for each match.
Last Sunday you asked for more bodies in attack, and the arrival of Blanco Leschuk has just been made official. What do you make of that signing?
- He's a player with experience in our league. We believe that he can repeat or even improve on the tallies from his season at Málaga. He's the profile of player we were looking for and needed. Blanco Leschuk is going to bring us his physique and his technique.
Would you consider the squad complete with the arrivals of Blanco Leschuk and another midfielder? How many departures do there need to be before the window shuts?
- There are a few players who we have told they will have limited options to play, and that it would be best for them to look for a move, for their own sakes. In terms of arrivals, we are looking for a midfielder who is different to what we have, who can give us other alternatives. We are always open to the possibilities which can arise, as (Director of Football Francesc) Arnau said, but it will depend on departures. With Blanco Leschuk and one more midfielder I would consider the squad well-stocked.
Looking back on the Cartagena match, which aspect of the game do Oviedo most urgently need to improve on?
- I'd take many more games like the Cartagena one, just with better finishing. We were a complete team in defence and in attack, with a lot of chances, but the only blemish was the finishing. We kept pushing and the important thing is to create chances. The aim is to keep progressing.
Have you worked on finishing this week, or is it an aspect which depends more on the match situation and has to be worked on from a mental standpoint?
- If the match had finished 1-0 or 2-0 we wouldn't be asking about the finishing. The Coach has to be above one passage of play or another. The match developed in the way we wanted, and we are trying to work towards the same style for this week's match, with a few adjustments to become stronger and win.
You faced Mirandés little more than two weeks ago. Do you think the match will look at all like what we saw at the Tartiere? Has that match helped you to prepare for this one in any way?
- It's not going to be anything like it, everything has changed. They are intense, pressure you, and push you back in your own half. We have to compete in intensity and have the chances to win the match.
Do you see it as important that a specialist left back arrives to compete with Mossa and Lucas in that position?
- Any player who comes in and improves us is welcome. We are here to make a good team and have the best year possible, since we suffered a lot last year. We have to learn from the experience and not reach the end of the season in such difficulties. I love Lucas, he's a homegrown, Asturian player. He's had a great preseason and I believe in him a lot. I know that he will do a job wherever I play him.
What impression did Edgar give you on his first appearance alongside Tejera?
- Good, I liked him. He was tired at the end, but he's physically imposing and gets around the pitch. The style of play is different to that of Betis, but he's technically good. We are asking him to get forward and play high up. Even though it was his first game he gave us what we asked of him, and he is going to be important.
With the exception of Rodri, do you have the full squad available?
- Except for Rodri, who is going to take a while, the rest are available and working with a lot of hunger, which is lucky for me.
