Real Oviedo Head Coach Cuco Ziganda today appeared in the Press Room at El Requexón ahead of Los Azules' trip to face Espanyol tomorrow.

Ziganda will have his full squad available for the match, and the Gaffer reasoned that "it's good for the squad to have that competition for places. We are very happy. We are coming off the back of a good result and we want to keep this run going."

Asked about the possibility of Borja Valle starting on Friday, the Coach admitted that "he is ready to start games, but there are other players in good form, too. I am happy with him, he was very good the other day. Borja is picking up our way of playing. He is mature and a great professional. He's a real option for us." In addition, with respect to Blanco Leschuk, the Coach commented that "I spoke to him before the match. Gustavo is a calm, hard-working lad, he is focused. He is training the same as ever, and he has his pride. Everyone has to respect decisions."

Discussing the option of maintaining the same attack against the Catalan side, Ziganda said that "it's a real option, but we will decide tomorrow. We know that the important thing for strikers is scoring goals. Rodri did a great job and I was happy with his performance."

Regarding the possibility of getting three points against Espanyol, Ziganda admitted that "we know how difficult it will be and the ability they have. It will be a difficult encounter. We know they have quality players, a tight group, and give little away. They defend well, are strong, and are not afraid of anything. It's a complete team, but we have to believe in our strengths. We are difficult to beat. We have to put in a great performance and make it difficult for them. We have to put in a complete performance, as we always try to do. We want to give ourselves the chance to win. It will be a different match to the Fuenlabrada one, but we have to keep that attitude. We have to be a difficult opponent and have the strength and energy to be as complete as possible."

Finally, asked about complaints from Espanyol about referees, Ziganda stated that "I'm not afraid of that having an influence. Referees aren't scared into decisions. There are people who put pressure on them and think they can gain an advantage from it, but the teams at the top of the table have points because they win them. We don't discuss referees and let's hope that after the matches nobody has anything to say about the matter."