Real Oviedo Head Coach Cuco Ziganda appeared in the Press Room at El Requexón ahead of the cup match against Málaga.

Last weekend's encounter against Mallorca saw the team play with great pride and determination to come back from a 2-0 deficit. The Coach explained that "the match went along the lines that we work on each day. It shows the complete commitment the team has, and it reinforces our morale. We have to find consistency in our results, that's what we are working on. We have to maintain our performances, find consistency, and keep going."

Asked about the players who haven't been training with the squad, Ziganda highlighted that "we will be able to get Borja (Sánchez) and Edgar back once the tests allow them to do so. They are strong lads and we hope they don't suffer any serious consequences. The rest could do them good, and we hope they come back in perfect conditions. Tejera isn't far off, but it will be very tight for him to be back for the Málaga fixtures. Rafa (Mujica) has had a knock since the Ponferradina match, and hasn't been able to train."

With respect to the impact of facing Málaga twice in the same week, the Coach reasoned that "it makes no difference. The planning and ideas are going to be the same. The lads who have been playing less will have another chance to stake their claims in this match, and we have to compete in the cup as it is an important title. The Copa gives everyone an opportunity. Playing again after only three days means that it's important to rotate. These players showed their attitude in Coria and deserve to keep competing. The attitude and the way they approached that match mean they deserve the chance to keep proving themselves."

Regarding the importance of getting through to the next round of the cup, the Gaffer declared that "it would be important for the club, and that's what we all have to focus on. Players and the coach don't play here, the club plays. It's beneficial to stay in the cup. It's an opportunity to compete, prove ourselves, and make it through to the next round. It would

nice and important to get through."

Finally, asked about possible departures in the January transfer window, Ziganda stated that "nobody has said anything. I can see that everyone is motivated. The cards are on the table. Some players participate more than others, but from Monday to Saturday they are all equally involved."