Real Oviedo Head Coach Cuco Ziganda today evaluated the condition of his team following their cup elimination, having had barely any recovery time prior to tomorrow's return to La Rosaleda. "You have the issue that the match went into extra time, but some players are going to have to play again. In terms of the defence, we have to decide whether Grippo will play or whether it will be one of the other two centre backs. We have to see how the ones who played recover and are feeling. Simone has trained with the squad for three or four days and it might be a bit rushed (for him to start), but both options have their own peculiarities."
With respect to the players who are still out, Tejera, Edgar and Borja Sánchez, Ziganda said that "it's fair to recognise that those who have come in for them are making the most of their opportunities. We are missing important players, but others are taking their chances."
Regarding the fixture and the similarities he is expecting compared to the cup match, the Gaffer stated that "I am expecting it to be similar in terms of the two teams' strength. You can see the table and how we are both doing this season. The cup match was even, although we had a couple more chances. I think that tomorrow will be about being aware of the small details and the winner will be whoever is more clinical in the two areas and makes fewer mistakes.
Tomorrow's match is the final game of the first half of the season, and a win is always important, whenever it comes. "Wins are always good, whether at the end, the start, or in the middle of the season. Winning and getting three points helps with morale. It's important for us to bring consistency to the work we're doing. We need to be a recognisable team, with automatic movements, and which plays the same no matter the opponent. We have to keep improving and there can be no doubt about our spirit and energy."
After this second Málaga match, there will be a short break, which the Real Oviedo Head Coach wishes to make the most of as a mini preseason. "Since that we won't have another game to play like we had wanted (next round of the cup), we will make the most of the week to work hard. We will get a lot of good work into the players, and it will do some of them good to get so much physical work done. It's a good week to work the whole team hard, particularly those who have not been able to train so much since the turn of the year."
Regarding the number of players he has in his squad and whether it would be good for him to have less, so that not so many players are missing out, Ziganda explained that "given today's circumstances with the pandemic, we can see the problems teams are having with outbreaks. You have to decide whether to protect yourself, because you can have a problem like that at any time. The cards are on the table, but everybody has to be willing to fight, in the knowledge of where they start from. Whoever stays must do so with the mentality and energy to give their best in their daily work."
