Sporting Gijon vs Osasuna preview - Tejada: Gijon coping after Preciado exit

Posted Sunday, February 05, 2012 by PA

Sporting Gijon interim coach Inaki Tejada insists his players remain in good spirits despite a difficult week which saw Manuel Preciado sacked after nearly six years at the helm.

Preciado's dismissal came after a 5-1 defeat to Real Sociedad last weekend and was met by both disappointment from the players and anger from the fans, but Tejada says they have nevertheless prepared well for Sunday's visit of Osasuna.

He told a press conference broadcast on the club's website: "Despite an unusual week, I think the dressing room is coping well.

"I am proud of the squad's behaviour, especially the five captains who have been a pleasure to work with. However, the most important thing for all of us is the three points."

Tejada is wary, though, of an Osasuna side that - despite a blip in recent weeks - remain in the top half of the Primera Division table.

"The Osasuna I am expecting is in a very good position, with a lot of potential and an extraordinary first half of the season behind them," he said.

"They have a style of play that allows them to defend very well and they have variety up front."

Sporting will be boosted by the return of top-scorer Diego Barral from suspension and Ivan Hernandez and Alberto Botia should be paired together in central defence as Gregory misses out with concussion and Alejandro Galvez has been sent back to play with the youth ranks.

Osasuna defender Sergio Fernandez, meanwhile, wants his side to display all of their famed battling qualities to return to winning ways after four games without a victory.

He told the club's website: "The opponents say we are difficult to play against and we need to show that on the field. Right now we are a on a little slide, but these things happen in the course of a season.

"It could be better or worse, but we need to approach the game on Sunday as if it's our last."

Roversio Rodrigues and Ibrahima Balde are nearing a return from injury but this game is likely to come too early for both so Dejan Lekic is expected to continue in attack.