Real Oviedo Head Coach Cuco Ziganda appeared in the Press Room this morning ahead of Saturday's fixture against Castellón at Castalia.
Asked about his team's fifteen draws so far this season, Ziganda reasoned that "it's not a coincidence that we are drawing so many. It's clear that we haven't been able to outplay many teams, but it's also clear that we are solid and tough enough to not know when we are beaten. We are lacking that main thing, which is to have the strength and confidence to get wins. We are drawing a lot, but not because we are happy with draws. I'm sure about that, but some days we aren't clinical enough, and other days they score and we can't find the way to get the win. We need the same work and the same effort. The league table puts everyone in their place."
Regarding the run of draws and matches without a win, Ziganda said that "we haven't got as many points as we should have. The other day we had chances to win, but given that we didn't win...you would take a point and the opposition not winning. We have to take it game by game and get to fifty points and avoid drama. Nobody is discussing whether we are going to suffer or not. What we do know is that the team doesn't give up or know when it's beaten, because it's proven it. We haven't started matches well lately, but then we bounce back and we are difficult to beat. We have shown it against more teams, and I think we have to believe for that reason, but nobody can guarantee anything."
With respect to whether he believes that securing survival early on could make the remainder of the season seem very long, the Coach said that "playing a match is no joke and I hope we get to that situation soon. We have to be realistic and look at where we are. We aren't where we are last year, but nor do we want to return there. We don't have to play that type of 'cup final' this year. We are focusing on Castellón and getting the win. We need to take each week like that."
Discussing the next opponent, Ziganda stated that "Castellón are very clear on what they have to do to survive. They've turned things around in terms of style and formation. They are fighting to survive and when a team does that then they are well-equipped to get a lot of points. We saw what they did yesterday and in the last month... They are putting together a run to get out of there. It's a tough, experienced, dangerous team. They are very strong defensively and create chances on the counter and from set pieces. They know where they are and exactly what they have to do to get out of trouble."
