Julián Calero’s Pre-Match Press Conference: Real Oviedo Gears Up for Season Opener Against Granada

TL;DR: Real Oviedo manager Julián Calero spoke to the media ahead of the team’s first competitive match of the season against Granada. He discussed squad fitness, preseason progress, new signings, fan excitement, tactical plans, and specific player updates. The team is at about 50-60% readiness but showing good signs.

Squad Fitness: "Handling Players with Kid Gloves"

Calero gave an honest assessment of the team’s physical condition:

• Several players are nursing minor issues — the medical staff has been managing workloads carefully during preseason
• One final training session remains before the match to test who’s ready
• Everyone could be available, but some would be a risk to play
• The group is united and prepared, though they’re carrying some fatigue from preparation
• Decision deadline: Calero will wait until matchday morning to finalize the lineup

Important Point: The manager used a Spanish expression "entre algodones" (literally "between cotton") meaning they’re being extremely careful with players’ fitness — like wrapping them in cotton wool.

Preseason Progress: "We’re at 40-60%"

Calero was refreshingly realistic about where the team stands:

Why the delay? New signings arrived gradually, forcing the coaching staff to step back in their planning to integrate newcomers. The opponents (Granada) had their coach and core squad in place since last season — a significant advantage.

New Signings: Fast Arrivals, But Starting From Zero

Calero highlighted a unique situation this summer:

The Good News

• Unusually quick recruitment — the squad structure was built rapidly
• Players arrived "with clear heads" — motivated and focused
• Clear playing identity emerging — the team knows what to do in each game moment

The Challenge

• Everyone starts from scratch — no pre-existing chemistry
• Granada has continuity — same coach (Pacheta), established automatisms
• Two weeks remain in the transfer window — more changes possible

Key Quote: "Lo importante es lo que hacen los jugadores en el campo" — "What matters is what players do on the pitch."

Restoring Fan Belief: "The Scar Is Healing"

One of the most emotional parts of the press conference:

• Fans have re-engaged — nearly 30,000 season ticket holders
• Last season’s disappointment left a "scar for life" but it’s healing
• Focus is entirely forward — "not on what was, but what’s coming"
• Mutual energy — fans give good vibrations, team must feed that with performance
• Tomorrow is the real test — "the thermometer starts now"

Beautiful Analogy: "Cuando tienes un golpe, en la vida también, cuesta un poco rehacerse. Tarda en cicatrizar, pero ahora está cicatrizando." — "When you take a hit, in life too, it takes time to rebuild. It’s slow to heal, but it’s healing now."

Tactical Approach: Flexible Systems, Fixed Philosophy

Calero distinguishes between system (formation) and model (playing philosophy):

What CAN Change (System)

• Formation adapts to personnel — if two strikers are in form, he’ll play two up top
• Flexibility is a weapon — "trying not to be predictable"
• Players must understand multiple roles

What NEVER Changes (Model)

• How to occupy spaces on the pitch
• Defensive heights — when to press high vs. sit deep
• Attacking patterns and build-up play principles
• Game management — knowing what each moment requires

Simple Explanation: Think of the model as the team’s DNA — their playing personality. The system is just the outfit they wear that day. The personality stays the same; the outfit changes based on who’s fit and who they’re playing.

Player-Specific Updates

Alberto Reina (Goalkeeper)

• Muscle overload — being managed carefully
• Versatile player — his absence affects multiple positions
• Final decision: Matchday morning

Striker Situation

• No fixed first-choice pair — will rotate based on form
• System adapts to hot hands — two strikers if both firing
• Goal: Make opponents prepare for multiple looks

Pablo Sáenz (vs. Former Club)

• Mature professional — "not a kid, knows his situation"
• Special motivation playing against ex-team, but focused all week
• Calero wants to exploit his unique qualities — similar to how he used Carlos Álvarez
• Key: Keep him in his most effective zones on the pitch

Enzo Pérez (17-Year-Old Talent)

• Training well, fully integrated in first-team squad
• Age is irrelevant — "can play at 38 or 19 if they understand the game"
• Has personality and tactical understanding
• Same opportunities as any midfielder — no special treatment, no protection
• Must earn minutes by executing responsibilities

Pressing & Defensive Identity

• Pressing triggers adapt to the opponent — not a one-size-fits-all approach
• Core principle: Never lose team identity regardless of tactical adjustments
• Personality over rigidity — show their game while solving opponent problems

Local Identity in Modern Football

A thoughtful reflection on squad composition:

• Zero Asturians in the squad — "unfortunately, that’s modern football"
• Contrast with his playing days — teams were mostly local boys
• Reality check: Even Madrid teams have few Madrid-born players
• His approach: Help outsiders integrate genuinely — live locally, shop locally, feel the city
• Personal example: Calero isn’t from Oviedo but wants to feel like "one more" — expects same from players

Pressure & "Favorites" Tag

Granada coach Pacheta called Oviedo favorites. Calero’s response:

• Mutual respect — "I also see them as favorites"
• Matchday 1 reality: "En la jornada 1 todos somos candidatos" — "On matchday 1, everyone’s a candidate"
• Zero pressure — neither he nor players feel burdened by expectations
• Focus: Build a team that competes well every week

Summary: What We Learned

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

1. Is Real Oviedo ready for the season opener?

They’re at about 50-60% of ideal readiness. The playing idea is clear, but squad chemistry is still building because signings arrived gradually. Granada has the advantage of continuity.

2. Who will play in goal — Alberto Reina?

Uncertain. He has a muscle overload. Calero will decide on matchday morning after a final test. His absence would affect multiple positions since he’s versatile.

3. Will 17-year-old Enzo Pérez play?

He’s in the squad and training well. Calero insists age doesn’t matter — only understanding and execution. He’ll get minutes if he earns them, same as any midfielder.

4. Why are there no Asturian players?

Calero acknowledges this is "modern football" — even big-city teams have few locals. He focuses on making players feel local through genuine integration in the community.

5. Does the "favorites" tag add pressure?

Not at all. Calero says matchday 1 makes everyone a candidate. He and the players feel zero pressure — only focus on competing well.

Final Thought

"Mañana empieza el termómetro y veremos en qué punto estamos."
— "Tomorrow the thermometer starts and we’ll see where we stand."

Real Oviedo begins a new chapter with clarity of purpose, a reconnected fanbase, and a manager who blends tactical flexibility with philosophical rigidity. The results will come — but the identity is already taking shape.

¡Aúpa Oviedo!