The Press Room at El Requexón today played host to Javi Rozada's press conference ahead of the Albacete match.
The Head Coach began by evaluating the state of the squad going into the clash at the Carlos Belmonte, saying that "in theory they are all available, but Ortuño, Yoel (Bárcenas) and Arribas are missing. We'll take 19 to Albacete."
Regarding the potential impact of the absence of the aforementioned players for the Albacete match, Javi Rozada commented that "Ortuño has got a lot of goals and Yoel has scored too, but we aren't worried about it. We know that whoever plays up front will have chances because we will create opportunities and we will score."
Asked about the departure of Joaquín del Olmo, the Coach admitted that "the week hasn't gone how we'd have liked it to have. We lost someone. Joaquín was here every day and we had a constant relationship with him. I wish him all the best. We are going to think about Albacete, about winning and giving him the best-possible present. He believed in us." In addition, the Oviedo-born coach declared himself "grateful for the faith shown by the club", highlighting that "we are in a complicated situation and the club's support brings us calm. (I am) grateful to Arturo and to the Board. All I can do now is repay them through hard work and results."
Asked about how he sees the squad, Javi Rozada said that "I see a committed, freer group, and we have to do the day-to-day work. The group is committed to getting out of this. We are coming up against Albacete,
who do a lot of things well, but I see the lads as being ready to win. The fact Numancia equalised the other day mustn't throw us off course. The objective is to compete as we have been doing. We had personality the other day and went for goals. We produced a good performance and we must keep competing, with clear ideas."
Regarding the next opponent, Albacete, the Coach commented that "they adapt to their opponent. They make things uncomfortable and play matches at a high tempo. We have to know what to do, we've watched them, and we are ready to win in Albacete. We have to improve our reading of situations from second balls. I want us to be smart enough to know that we can't throw away all the good we've done during the match in the final minutes.
We have to stay calm and know that matches are very long. Sunday's match will depend on who imposes themself. I hope it is a high-tempo game where we show our personality. Each team will try things, and whoever shows their ideas more strongly will win."
Finally, speaking about how off-field matters can affect a team's performance, Rozada said that "the players are professionals and have experience. Real Oviedo is like a business and the players have to separate themselves from it. Joaquín is much-loved and the three points have to be dedicated to him. Ever since I arrived everything has been made easier for me and I've been very well-welcomed. They are united, aware of
their responsibilities, and they make everything very easy."
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