The Azulgranas are enthusiastic about Saturday’s match, a game that will not be “conclusive but certainly of vital importance.” This was emphasised by Antonio Hidalgo in his press conference on Thursday to preview the club’s LaLiga Hypermotion matchday 38 against Real Oviedo. “We must be natural but understanding the responsibility we have.” Therefore, the coach expects El Alcoraz stadium to be packed with fans urging their team to secure the three points.
“We're excited – when you lose, you want the next game to arrive so you can win and improve. In the recent matches, we’ve lost due to small details; things aren’t going as smoothly as before, but we’re still the same team and working as hard as before. It’s important to mobilise our crowd as much as possible, to make the players aware of the importance of the upcoming match and to go all in,” pursued Hidalgo.
The coach is certain that his team “know how to bounce back.” “We knew the streak would change, and we need to turn this around as soon as possible. We’re not far from what we used to do. It'’l be an even clash and of utmost necessity. We have to be passionate, strong and bold. It's a time for the players; they have to compete to the fullest and take that step,” he stated.
And the fans have responded by filling the stadium next Saturday. “They understand what this crest, this shirt, and not giving up mean. We must fight together; we knew this situation could happen, and we all have to turn it around. They know they have to stand by our side and push us. A packed El Alcoraz and the fans behind us intimidate in the opponent, and that’s what we ask for.”
In a match that Hidalgo expects to be “tight, long, and full of emotions,” he urges to remain calm and positive. “This competition is tough and long, and it’s emotionally stressful. Therefore, we must know how to deal with that. On Saturday, we have to go all in, know how to suffer, be brave and hurt them,” he concluded.
