Cuco Ziganda appeared in the Press Room today, ahead of the weekend's fixture against Ponferradina.

In the midst of another week's work, in which the Coach has had his full squad available to him, Ziganda stated that "the team is doing well. We have trained well. They are all in perfect condition and have good attitudes. Alejandro (Arribas) has been able to train without any problems. The other day was a demanding match and a bit too long for him, but he hadn't played for a while."

Asked whether the draw against the league leaders has reinforced the squad's daily work, Ziganda reasoned that "the feeling around the squad is important. It wasn't great after the Leganés game, but the other day was different. It boosts morale and the squad's confidence. We came back with the feeling we want, that we are strong."

With respect to the improvements he would like to see his team put in place going into the final stage of the season, the Gaffer highlighted that it would be "our points tally and results at home, because we are lacking consistency there. Results are tight in this division and the small details make the difference. If we weigh it up, results haven't been as good as we would like. We have to improve and have more confidence in the team being able to come through matches."

Regarding the next opponent, Ponferradina, Ziganda stated that "I can see that they've improved. They are doing things well and with confidence, and it is a club that is giving consistency to the work they've done. They are proving an example to follow, as they are consistent and solid. They are giving the impression that they are doing more than in the first half of the season. Every match is different, though. Espanyol and Mallorca found us hard to beat. Everything is even and is decided on small details. We know that the first objective is fifty points, and how hard it is to get more points after that. We have to do things well and be aware that it is going to be a constant battle."

Discussing possible defensive changes following Christian Fernández's return from suspension, the Coach commented that "you have an idea, but I want to see what happens during the week. These are positive headaches to have. Whatever we do will be fine. There is tough but healthy competition. They fight for their place, competing strongly. The backline was good the other day. We will see how it goes before deciding, given that we have options."

Asked about the team's objective for the rest of the season, Ziganda explained that "we have to take it little by little. We need to get to fifty points and then be rational. We can talk, but it's all about the work out on the pitch. First it's Ponferradina, and that is our objective. We will see how the table looks and which objectives are realistic. There's still a lot to do and we know that there can be surprises. We have to put in a great performance against Ponferradina on Saturday, because that's the only way to get three points."

Regarding rotation at left back and up front, Ziganda said that "this is due to the competition we have in those positions and the type of matches. At left back we have two players who both do a very good job, and it's the same up top. Some days we choose one of them and another day others, but there's no secret to it."

Speaking about fixture congestion in the next ten days and the possibility of making changes to keep players fresh, the Coach said that "I still say that any of them can be starters, but nobody is gifted anything. We pick whoever is best for the job, while being objective and sensible. It's about picking the best team possible. We have twenty outfield players ready to play, and I have no problem no matter who plays. There will be rotation, because we have a lot of games in a short period of time. We have faith in the group."

Finally, asked about the B team's battle for survival and what relegation would mean for the academy, Ziganda reasoned that "experience tells me that it's not such an important matter. Clearly they've been fighting against it all year and it's taken a lot of effort and been difficult. The most important thing for the academy isn't the short-term results. The important thing is for it to have a plan, continuity, and belief. We all have experience and know players come through at teams with a good methodology which gives them the tools they need to grow."