Oviedo bosses hold hands up after winter transfer shambles
Real Oviedo's top brass admit mistakes in their first Primera División season for 24 years, with sporting director Lleida confessing to repeated errors in club management.
Real Oviedo’s management have finally faced the music, with director general Agustín Lleida taking responsibility for the club’s troubled return to Spain’s top flight after nearly a quarter century away.
Admitting the blunders
Lleida didn’t mince his words when addressing the club’s winter transfer window performance and overall sporting management:
“We’ve committed errors one after another,” he admitted with refreshing candour that’s rarer than a decent pint in Madrid.
The director general conceded that perhaps Oviedo weren’t ready for the step up to Primera División after their 24-year absence. The adjustment has clearly been more challenging than finding decent tapas in Tottenham.
Financial caution trumps ambition
Despite the struggles, Lleida was keen to highlight the owner’s continued financial backing, explaining that the winter market strategy was shaped by a need to protect the club’s economic future.
He pointed out some sobering statistics:
- 60% of promoted teams go straight back down
- The club has nearly €2 million in salary cap space
- They can’t risk compromising next season’s financial position
No white flag from Oviedo
Lleida was adamant that surrender isn’t on the cards. In fact, he made it crystal clear that if relegation was considered inevitable, they’d have cashed in on their prized assets:
“If we thought we were going down, we’d sell Hassan and Viñas and pocket €17 million. We’re going to fight,” he declared.
Market frustrations
Sporting director Roberto Suárez defended their working methods and coordination with the Mexican ownership group, though he acknowledged the Spanish market had been “poor and disappointing” this winter.
Many transfer targets apparently weren’t keen on a move to a relegation-threatened side - bit of a shocker that one, innit?
Looking ahead
Interestingly, the club made no promises about manager Guillermo Almada’s future beyond this season. Reading between the lines, it seems the gaffer’s position is about as secure as a chocolate teapot.
On a positive note, the club confirmed defender Dani Calvo’s contract extension - a strategic move covering both Primera and potential Segunda División scenarios. Smart business that, covering their Adam and Eve’s either way.