The Press Room at the Carlos Tartiere today hosted the official presentation of Veljko Paunovic as Real Oviedo's new Head Coach. The Serbian declared his excitement and commitment to the new challenge lying ahead of him.
Accompanied by Managing Director Agustín Lleida and Director of Football Roberto Suárez, the new Head Coach expressed his gratitude at being able to return to the club which he departed in 2001, following what he describes as an unjust relegation. "I am very excited to be here, for my past, my present, and my future. All of us love this region and its team." Recalling his previous spell in Oviedo and how he always thought he would one day return, he stated that "ever since I left in 2001 I always thought I'd end up back here. That relegation was very tough, but the team always fought with pride, courage, and determination. They are very clearly defined values for this club and its fans."
The Serbian coach described the quick and emotional nature of his return to Real Oviedo, saying that "the first approach came when I was on a plane to Chicago to visit my son. It was all very quick. The sports management staff contacted Claudio Arzeno, my assistant, and the conversations accelerated until the decision was made."
Regarding the challenge which lies ahead, Paunovic was quick to define it as huge and exciting. "It's a clearly defined challenge. There are ten 'cup finals' to go, and we have to take it day by day and one match at a time. I am very excited, with a clear objective and passion for football." He also declared that the squad had responded positively to his ideas, explaining that "the first response from the team has been good. They have accepted the challenge and this coaching staff's way of doing things. They understand our work."
With respect to his methodology, Paunovic explained how he intends to work with the team. "I am a coach who bases his work on organisation and structure. I like to be organised in attack and defence and for everyone to know their role. We want to play as a team and for us to keep our composure, always with the clear objective of winning." He also highlighted the importance of improving in certain areas of the game, such as set pieces, while reasoning that one of his targets will be to be more intense with the ball and avoid losing it in dangerous areas.
The new coach also dedicated some words to Santi Cazorla, who he described as an "emblem of the club and the team. He's a reference point for all the players and all the squad. Santi plays a key role and is a great resource for us, both in the present and in the future."
Regarding his first starting eleven, Paunovic admitted that he is still undecided, given that it will be based on the players' performances in training. "The work is still to be completed, but we are working on a team with clear ideas, intensity, and which plays as a team at all times."
Finally, Paunovic underlined the importance of the fans and the joint work of the team and its supporters in order to achieve the objectives. "The team needs us to light the fuse for them. We have to be with them and line it up with our fans' passion."