The Press Room at El Requexón today hosted Real Oviedo Head Coach Cuco Ziganda's press conference ahead of the game against Real Zaragoza.
Now fully immersed in the week's training, the Gaffer evaluated the feeling around the team, saying that "we are training well. Alejandro (Arribas) is doing things with the squad, although it will be very tight for him for Sunday. We aren't going to take risks. Tejera and Mossa are out."
Asked about the team's defensive work, Ziganda highlighted that "we work on general aspects of the game every week, and we reinforce our automatic movements. Sunday will be a different game due to the intensity and our opponent's need for points. We know what Real Zaragoza have to offer. It is a very good team technically, with quality players."
With respect to the team's results at the Carlos Tartiere, Ziganda admitted that "we would like to have better numbers. This game is all about getting points, it doesn't matter where from, but we know that we are finding it hard to win at home. We got the win and scored three goals in our last home match, though, and we have to focus on that. We need the points. We are going into the match with the aim of making amends and showing what we want people to see from us."
Regarding the importance of getting three points this weekend, the Coach reasoned that "every single match is a different story. We were disappointed the other day. The match got away from us and we weren't able to defend our lead. In terms of how the match was played, however, we played how we wanted to. Sunday is another opportunity to get three important points. There's a long way to go this season, and we are aware that we don't want Zaragoza to move closer to us."
Ziganda will not have Mossa or Tejera available for Sunday's match. Regarding the impact of the latter's absence on the team, the Coach stated that "when he's in form, as we saw in the first half of the season and the other day, he's an important player. He gives us poise and experience. We were without him for two months earlier in the season, but we know that he is an accomplished player in this division."
Discussing a possible change in attack which would see Rodri Ríos and Nahuel lead the line, Ziganda commented that "they aren't incompatible and it is another option. We have three strikers in Samuel (Obeng), Rodri and Gustavo (Blanco Leschuk), and the three of them can all play together. Borja Valle and Nahuel can adapt to play with any of them. Any combination could work." In addition, regarding Blanco Leschuk, the Gaffer highlighted that "he's a player that isn't getting the rewards that his work deserves, but he is experienced and a professional. He's not being clinical enough in front of goal, but this is football and we mustn't dwell on it. He is confident and working willingly. We have to encourage and support him."
Finally, asked about Arturo Elías' comments regarding the team's objective being to finish in a playoff position, Ziganda responded that "I think it's a good thing for the owner to aim for high goals and for him to be ambitious and hopeful. There's nothing wrong with it at all. We have to prove ourselves on the pitch with attitude and willingness, and we are, but results aren't going our way. We train and focus on giving the sensation that we want to go for wins. We aren't giving up and nor are we speculating. There's a lot of matches left and we have to take it one match at a time, and then in April we will see what we are going to fight for."
