Mikel Goti has outlined Real Oviedo's playing philosophy ahead of the key Friday match against league leaders UD Almeria. The midfielder, signed on the final day of the transfer window and named the team's best player in September, explained that possession is the foundation. "We are a team that tries to have the ball," said Goti in the build-up to the game at the Estadio de los Juegos Mediterráneos.
The Asturian side arrives at the match in ninth place in the Segunda División, with 17 points from 10 games, and in high spirits after securing two consecutive wins. The latest victory was a 1-2 result against AD Ceuta, with goals from Samuel Rodríguez and Carlos Domínguez. This positive form, with three wins in the last five matches (WWLWL), is seen as a springboard for a solid performance against the top side.
Tactical priority: control and defence
Goti detailed the pillars of the team's approach. The idea is to defend with discipline to win the ball back quickly and attack with variations to surprise the opponent. The Basque player, who feels very settled in Oviedo, stressed the importance of humility and collective solidarity at this stage of the campaign. "We must be humble and solidary to win the ball back," he explained. The team particularly values its ability to create chances in open play and feels comfortable in tight spaces.
The central midfielder, who has already scored this season in the 3-1 win over Eibar, believes there is significant room for improvement within the squad. With strong internal competition, the goal is to keep growing game by game.
A 'playoff'-style showdown
The match against Almeria has, according to the dressing room's perception, the importance of a knockout tie. Therefore, the focus is entirely on this league fixture, setting aside the upcoming Copa del Rey round for now. "We are not thinking about the Cup right now," stated Goti.
Trailing Almeria by seven points, a victory at their ground would provide a massive boost to Oviedo's aspirations. Striker Carlos Domínguez, the team's top scorer with four goals, will be a key piece in the search for that result. The team will travel on Thursday to prepare for a match that could redefine their season.
The match is scheduled for Friday, 24 October at 21:00, in a setting where Oviedo must demonstrate their playing philosophy against the best team in the division.
The original report is at lavozdeasturias.es
