Real Oviedo Head Coach Javi Rozada today spoke to the gathered Press, ahead of Sunday's match against Rayo Vallecano at the Carlos Tartiere.
The Coach began by discussing the state of the squad, announcing that "everyone is available, except Saúl", who is recovering well from injury but will not make it in time for this fixture. The team goes into the game in a difficult situation, which is why the Oviedo-born coach described it as "the most important match so far. It's crucial. They are three points which we need to give us the feeling we had during the most positive stage of the season. I think it's been a very good week and the players are very aware of the responsibility that they have. Having seen their way of working this week I know that they are hurting, because they know we've put in two very poor performances, but I am sure that we are going to win the match." Worried about both getting the victory and the manner of doing so, Rozada said that "the victory and an improvement in mood are compatible. I believe that one is the consequence of the other."
Asked for an explanation for the team's drop-off in form, the Coach believes that "doubts began to enter our minds in Málaga, and then we weren't able to beat Almería...Michu's departure didn't help at all. He was somebody who was there every day, and so him leaving didn't help the squad. César (Martín) helps us, but there was a moment of distraction there when we started to talk about off-field matters. We have to focus on talking about Rayo Vallecano and Sunday's match. I'm happy this week because we have talked about the match a lot and about what is at stake. There are no excuses; we have to be self-critical. The team has been a disaster in the last five matches, except for one spell against Almería. We have become convinced this week and realised we have to get out of the situation we are in. There is time to turn it around. The team has got its good feeling back, I could see something different in the players, and I am convinced that they will have enough to win this match."
With respect to Rayo Vallecano, who arrive at the Tartiere having not won in their last five matches, Javi Rozada stated that "I don't like to come up against an opponent who enters the fixture like that, because the bad run doesn't show the real team they are. They are well-worked, with very good players. We know it is going to be difficult. We will have to be at our best to win the match."
The Coach hinted at possible changes, but insisted that "I have a lot of belief in the players and in the work they are doing. I think it's about concentration levels. They have shown they have the talent. In the good run we had they did some extraordinary things. What is being worked on is for the best, there's no doubt about it."
Rozada concluded by saying that "I've spoken with the players a lot. I am very happy with what I've seen from them in training; both from those who are playing, and from those who are not. That had been one of the other problems for the group. Both the coaching staff and the players needed to focus on the right things. This match is very important for us and for what we are competing for. I think we are going to put in a great performance and beat a fantastic team."
