Real Oviedo Head Coach Cuco Ziganda today appeared in the Press Room at El Requexón, ahead of another league match for Los Azules.

Eight months and one day after taking charge of Real Oviedo for the first time against CD Lugo in LaLiga SmartBank, Cuco Ziganda will tomorrow lead the Asturians into another match at Anxo Carro. With regard to the work done during his time at the club, the Head Coach highlighted that "the thing I've been most satisfied with since we arrived is the team's willingness to work. That's been there ever since we arrived and will be there until we leave. The harmony, the teamwork and the willingness to work. We have to improve, but the squad is willing and hardworking."

With respect to that first clash, which saw Los Azules lose out against Lugo, the Coach admitted that "I hadn't remembered that. Everything goes very quickly and you can't get away from reality. We have people close to us who are being affected for economic, work, and health reasons, and you live it day-by-day. We are grateful to be here and that goes a long way. We are hoping for a different result this time, given that we go into it from a different basis than that which we started with."

Asked which improvement he would like to see his team implement next in the coming matches, Ziganda reasoned that "it's true that we can improve, even though there have been good things. When I watch the team I think that the fans would like to be here at the NMR Carlos Tartiere, enjoying it. I can identify with the team, even though there have been days that we haven't played well. I am not going to say what we need to improve on, because that would give clues away. Anyone who watches the football knows that we can improve on some aspects."

Ahead of possible rotation in the starting eleven, as happened in the Leganés match, the Coach stated that "we are going to think about it. It's clear that the situation isn't like it was then. There had been a lot of matches then, we were at risk of injuries and of not maintaining our level. There were a lot of of changes. We wanted to cling on to the extra motivation that those players had and it wasn't a bad result. I am not thinking about making so many changes, but I am thinking. There are people that are pushing. The team is doing well, the next match isn't for another six days, and I don't think it will take too harsh of a physical toll. Perhaps we will choose a mixed team, but I'm not sure yet. I am sure about who will replace Gustavo (Blanco Leschuk), though. The changes we make will be based on the day-to-day work and on the freshness of those who come in to help the team."

Asked about the chances of Rodri Ríos coming into the starting eleven at Anxo Carro, Ziganda stated that "it would be too rushed. The team has had one hundred training sessions, and Rodrigo has had seven. He has to get match fit and then we will see when he can get gametime."

Regarding the players who are not getting gametime and the possibility of them becoming "disengaged", the Coach highlighted that "it's true that they can get disengaged, but that's what us coaches are here for. We have to

convince them that there are tough moments, especially on a mental level, but that that's life. I don't see anybody as being disenchanted, although I get that they may take it home with them. I am focusing on the team's mentality in the day-to-day work."

Discussing the physical condition of those players who are getting match time, Ziganda commented that "I think they're doing well. The other day, down to ten men, we tightened up and gave the impression of being a team. We didn't feel like we had to change anything else. We saw the team in good shape; confident, and with a lot of energy. We have continuity and results, and we will see what we do."

Asked how his team approaches the match at Anxo Carro, the Coach believes that "it's much better to face it in the situation we are in now, particularly on a morale and confidence level. Sometimes there are occasions when you are in a rush and you see it as just another match, but every match is a one-off. This will be different to the previous match and to the next one. We have belief in our results and in producing a great performance."

Finally, talking about Lugo, Ziganda highlighted that "they've gone on a good run under the new coach. They have threats and are compact, as well as being physically strong. Lugo have their own style and have maintained the idiosyncrasies of the club. They finish games strongly and use the resources that they have well."