Real Oviedo Head Coach Cuco Ziganda appeared in the Press Room at El Requexón today, ahead of the latest training session.

As is the norm ahead of his side's matches, the Coach began by evaluating the state of his squad going into the weekend's fixture. "We've had a slight setback with Lucas. We thought he had fatigue, but he has a thigh muscle injury. Brugman hasn't pulled a muscle, but we are going to see how he feels before deciding whether he will feature. Borja has a bit of flu. He was able to run yesterday, and we will see whether he can do more today. We hope to have Borja and Brugman available."

Asked about the importance of having a deep squad available, something which has proven key to get wins in recent matches, Ziganda believes that "being able to depend on the willingness and mentality of the squad is crucial in order to achieve the greatest objectives. The team's spirit adds and contributes a lot. I think that the spirit that you can see from the outside is being transmitted, and the squad is all pushing in the same direction. We bear all of them in mind and need all of them. Everybody in the squad has a chance of playing."

Regarding the next opponent, CD Mirandés, the Gaffer reasoned that "they've turned their form and their results around. Mirandés have a way of working which is giving them good results. They have a team with players with quality and experience. Joseba has given them an extra bit of confidence and he is getting performances out of the players. We are going to have to play very well in order to overcome their strong points."

With respect to the way in which Real Oviedo is going into the final five league matches, Ziganda highlighted that "the team has been mature during this end to the season. We know the club's recent history and how ends to the season have gone. We have talked about it so that we are all aware of it. We are adapting well to the types of matches that are coming up. We all have a common objective and we aren't allowing ourselves to be beaten when difficulties come up. In a very even situation, whoever can withstand the most will come out on top. We have to put the cherry on the top of this end to this season."

Finally, asked about the optimism surrounding Real Oviedo, Ziganda admitted that "it's true that you can feel it. When I go for a walk or go out into the street, I can feel that people are excited. They always make comments about it and I can sense that the fans are really buying into the team. Having that unity is a good sign. The fans were important against Leganés in order for us to come through it, and they are going to be important from here to the end of the season. We want them to push us on and keep us up there. We have to stay firm and make the most of our form."