Real Oviedo Captain Santi Cazorla appeared in the Press Room at El Requexón today, ahead of a new week of work for Javi Calleja's side.
After suffering a first defeat of the campaign, the midfielder analysed the club's start to the 2024/2025 season, stating that "the team has a lot of margin for improvement. If we sit down and analyse the three matches, we were good defensively in Coruña, while Castellón was a tough match. Against Racing we started well, we got on top, but then we made mistakes and they came from behind. We have new players and coaches, with different concepts, and now is the time to work hard and be aware that we are not the same team that we were last year. We have to adapt to what we have this year, and know the players we have, and I'm sure that we will improve."
Asked whether the squad is worried following the defeat against Racing, Santi Cazorla stated that "there's nothing to be worried about. The worst thing we can do is compare ourselves with the team from last year, wee have a lot of new factors. It's true that the team has to improve and there is margin to do so. There is nothing to be worried about, we would be crazy if we started to get nervous after three matches. We have to move on from last season. It was very nice, and it was a shame that we couldn't quite achieve what we wanted to. We mustn't compare ourselves. We have to keep our feet on the ground, work hard, and be aware that the division is more difficult than ever. Humility and hard work."
Discussing Javi Calleja, the midfielder highlighted that "I can see that he has a lot of hunger, but I can see that there is also pressure, particularly given how close we came last year. It could be a handicap, but the pressure is there for everyone. The Gaffer is getting to know jus better, it's clear what he wants, and we have to help him."
Asked how he feels at the start of this campaign and what it means for him to be captain, Santi Cazorla highlighted that "this year there is a change compared to last year, given that I came in last season without doing preseason and with problems in my pubis. This season we have tried to do things the best way possible, and I have been part of the squad right from the start. I hope injuries don't affect me and I can help the team. Wearing the armband is a privilege. I grew up here and if I get to be captain on Saturday then it will another motive of pride. However, the most important thing is that the team wins, no matter what I do."
Finally, with respect to how the squad is approaching Saturday's derby, the Asturian commented that "it's going to be a long week, particularly after playing on Friday and not getting the three points. We have to work from today in order to go into it in the best shape possible. If we are confident and work hard, we are capable of beating anyone."