Real Oviedo Head Coach José Ángel Ziganda appeared in the Press Room this morning, ahead of Monday's fixture against SD Eibar at the Tartiere.

Asked about the absences from training of Luismi, Borja Sánchez and Javi Mier, the Coach said that "a couple of them have completed a couple of sessions. We will have to wait until the day of the match to see whether we will have them available or not."

Regarding the month of January, the targets set, and the way it could impact on the coming months, Ziganda said that "all parts of the season are important in clarifying objectives and positioning yourself. There will still be a long way to go (after January). We always say that you get a clearer idea of what you are fighting for in the final ten games of the season, I think it's too soon now. It's obvious that if you want to be up there and look at the playoffs then the whole season is important because you have to get a lot of points and we will have to improve on the first half of the season."

With respect to the uncertainty which Covid causes for every team, "we have to adapt to it, to the protocols, and to the situations which come up from week to week. We saw that all the teams had players out for the last match, some more than others. It's something which we can't avoid. We have to look at it in a positive way. It gives alternatives and opens doors to people. Players start matches when they haven't been involved so much, and youth-team players play. We will see how it goes. Those who adapt best and see less problems, with strong, aware groups, will be those who come through it the best."

Focusing on the next opponent, Eibar, the Gaffer reasoned that "the match from the first half of the season can be forgotten. We put in a good performance, but Monday's game will be a completely different one. We know the team we are going up against. They have very clear objectives and a coach that is doing things very well. For me they are one of the three strongest contenders for promotion. We will have to play very, very well. They have proven that when they play well they win, and when they don't play so well they still win. They are capable of staying in matches, not conceding easy goals, and adjusting to different alternatives within matches. If they need to dominate then they dominate, and if they need to defend and break on the counter then they do that. Their numbers are there to see, and they are one of the favourites to go up. We all have to put in a great performance, as a team and on an individual level."

Finally, regarding the January transfer window, Ziganda said that "we do need to strengthen in the odd position, particularly with Arribas leaving. We can see how all of the teams are strengthening, nobody is missing the chance. Everyone is waiting for the CVC money, because there are more economic resources than in other years, and they are all looking for what might strengthen their team. If we get the option to improve on what we have then we will be open to it and delighted. If it doesn't work out then we will work with what we have, because they are all improving, both personally and on the pitch. We are better than we were in August and very happy."