In a short week to recover, Ziganda’s men travel tomorrow to Oviedo away from home in the next LaLiga SmartBank fixture of the 2022/23 campaign to face a well-known side by the boss. “We aren’t used to this type of organisation, but we have a big and competitive squad, and all the players are motivated to play,” he stated ahead of the clash. “We have to make the most of the days we can rest. We also have to prepare the upcoming game as soon as possible, as our boys find motivation in playing. We need to be flexible given the circumstances and hopefully all the players will arrive in perfect condition,” added ‘Cuco’.
Ziganda goes back to Oviedo and confesses that “it’s not just any other game.” “I spent there two and a half intense and productive years, personally as well as professionally. I liked it a lot there and I’m really grateful for my time there,” he explained. When asked about whether that is an advantage, he commented: “We all know each other. I’m not sure whether that helps or not. Times in football bind people together – harsh, tough and stressing moments… It’s true that many players from last season are still with them, but every campaign is different.”
On the sports side, ‘Cuco’ finds that the rival have quality and are incredibly direct and effective. “They’re a very powerful side who are forced to claim for an upper spot in the table. However, that pressure is not necessarily always positive. In that sense, they’ve started very well in their away matches, but they find it harder at home. Anyway, we’ll have to put a very strong performance to get a result. All the games are very tight, and we all struggle to secure points.”
In order to close the “unfinished business” of a triumph away from El Alcoraz, we have in Oviedo our next opportunity. “We haven’t won away from home yet. Our next game is in Oviedo – we have to be ambitious in all areas. In some of the clashes away we’ve produced a performance, but in some others we’ve lacked of something. We have got a new chance each game” concluded the SD Huesca boss.
