Real Oviedo Head Coach José Ángel Ziganda appeared in the Press Room this morning ahead of the first LaLiga SmartBank fixture of the season, to be played this Sunday at the Carlos Tartiere.

The Coach said that the team "is in good shape, with Simone (Grippo) the only setback, since he won't be fit. The rest are ready, although those who have recently joined won't be involved. We are in good spirits and focused on Lugo. We are looking forward to getting started." Asked whether the start of the season has come too soon, the Gaffer reasoned that "in terms of the players who have come in during preseason, it's soon, but it's the same at every club. We will start the season with a good team, with a lot of players who've come through the academy. It's a strange situation to start the season without having the squad fully finalised, but we accept it and there's no other option. We are prepared."

Asked what he expects from the first match, Ziganda stated that "I am expecting a tight, hard-fought match. We are dusting ourselves off, and it will be different to preseason. The recent friendly against them will have no impact on this match."

The most exciting thing for the coach and for the whole team is the return of supporters to the Carlos Tartiere. "It will be very exciting and we have been waiting for it. Little by little people are starting to breathe a sigh of relief and to see the light at the end of the tunnel within this dramatic situation. (There are) a few more steps to go, but we are advancing. The feel of the game will be completely different. We are all looking forward to getting the football we are used to back. I am particularly looking forward to being able to hear the fans again, because the noise in the background is what makes football what it is. It's amazing."

Regarding the fitness of the new signings who have arrived this summer, Ziganda explained that "David Costas and Dani (Calvo) are doing well. Joni (Montiel) is slightly behind in his preparations. Matheus (Aiás) is getting closer to match fitness and improving. Jirka is ready." In the case of the goalkeepers, the Coach said that "the truth is that they both have a blank slate, just like all of the players do."

Finally, asked about signings who are yet to arrive, the Gaffer stated that "as a coach, being selfish, I would like to replace all of the important players who have left. I want to have the security and the confidence to build a strong team. The conditions are what they are and we will try to bring in the best players possible, within our financial possibilities." Discussing the frontline and the arrival of Borja Bastón, Ziganda said that "they are three different strikers and we can adapt well with them. We are starting with them and I am happy with the attack, although I would like to bring in another player like Nahuel (Leiva), who is versatile and can play in different positions."