Real Oviedo goalkeeper Nereo Champagne appeared in the Press Room at El Requexón ahead of the start of a new week of training.
How have you felt during these first days back? Was the time at home very hard for you?
- I've felt good. Being hungry to get back out on the pitch helps. Doing what you love helps you feel good. I'm a positive person and I am trying to make the most of the lockdown, within the limitations of the critical situation we are living through. I am enjoying being with my family and spending time at home, which footballers don't often get to do. I would like to send positivity, since things like those happening today help us to get out of this period. We are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.
Do the goalkeepers in particular notice a difference after these two months, given that their job is more specific?
- We need to drop to the ground and have different training sessions. Our job is complicated. We need distance, but I've tried to work during the lockdown. Now I have to resow that work. I did what I could and I am happy.
How has the new work with (Goalkeeping Coach Sergio) Segura been going?
- Very well. It's passion for me. I love training. I'm really enjoying having time to work individually.
Is the return of competition right, in your opinion? Will it be different without fans?
- Football exists with fans. It is a shared passion. Football is a passion of the masses, but regrettably we are facing up to a fact which is getting away from all of us. We have to spread a message of optimism and of a return to normality without fans, which is what we don't want. Ever since we were kids we wanted to play in grounds full of fans and for them to applaud us, and we can't do that during this return to action. I hope it can be solved as soon as possible. In order for fans to be allowed at football we all need to follow the health rules and take that initial step so that fans can then come back in.
Having already been competing with Alfonso for a place, the Winter transfer market saw Lunin also join. What have you thought of his adaptation?
- Andriy is an amazing lad. He adapted effortlessly. He gives absolutely everything in training, just like Alfonso and I. It's not competition, it's a job where we all have to help each other get better. All three of us want to play. We've formed a nice group to work in, and we enjoy the atmosphere we have to work in.
