Real Oviedo Head Coach Cuco Ziganda today appeared in the Press Room, ahead of Sunday's fixture against Girona.
How is the team doing, and how did the derby victory affect the squad?
- The team is fine, in perfect condition. We don't have any injuries, except for Rodri's. We have got Aburjania back now, and everyone else is available. Following the win we have been able to work happily. They gave it everything, but we have been thinking about Girona since the day after the derby. These are difficult weeks coming up, and we are focused on the day-to-day work.
Did the triumph over Sporting relieve some of the pressure, or was the situation not so severe as for it to have caused an impact on a morale level?
- We needed points, even if the feeling around the group wasn't bad. This is the beginning, we are building. We asked for patience, but some people's patience was running out in Matchday 5. It was important to win so that we could focus on working without emergencies. Everything is so intense, and the football is like an end-of-year exam. If you win then everything is fantastic, and if you lose then it seems like everything is over. Cool heads, but they are better with points.
What did you think about the players who came into the starting eleven against Sporting?
- The analysis of the team is positive. We have a complete and well-stocked squad, which we have belief in. We will see the team we are and where we can get to. Gustavo (Blanco Leschuk) did a great job. He was uncomfortable to play against and held the ball up. Nahuel (Leiva) did a great job and had an influence. We are happy with the signings. It wasn't the most brilliant match, but it was the most complete one.
What do you know about Girona? Does it worry you that they haven't started well?
- They are still building their team, using last year's foundations. They have added good players, but they haven't been able to play 8 matches with the same players. They are a very physical team and it's a hard test, but that is what is going to motivate us.
With several matches in such a short space of time, are you thinking about rotating to give players a rest?
- First we have Girona, and then we will see. We might have to make some obligatory changes, but hopefully not. We will take it match by match, but we will go to Girona with the players that we think are the best prepared.
What have you made of Nahuel's role in the opening matches of the season?
- Nahuel has had a great attitude. He's been very awake, listened, and is then putting it into practice. He is showing us that in the day-to-day work. He's come here hungry to try to have his great year as a professional. I like the hunger and the desire he's come in with.
How do you think Riki is doing? Will he get his opportunity soon?
- Riki is going one step at a time. He plays in a very competitive position. He's a different footballer and he has to wait for his moment. He knows he has some very good qualities and he has to be mature and strong so that he doesn't find it hard to get minutes. He needs to toughen up a bit and his opportunity to show his ability will arrive. He's in the squad because we think he has some interesting qualities.
