‘I can’t let my image be tarnished’ – Santi Cazorla hits out at claims he had Real Oviedo coach sacked following rough start to La Liga campaign

Santi Cazorla Hits Out at Claims He Had Real Oviedo Coach Sacked After Rough La Liga Start

For most football fans, Santi Cazorla has always been a symbol of class — a player whose smile, technical grace, and humility transcended rivalries. From the highs of Arsenal’s Emirates to the heart of Real Oviedo, his boyhood club, Cazorla has lived a career built on respect and joy. But this week, that image came under fire.

After the surprise sacking of Veljko Paunovic, Real Oviedo’s now-former head coach, rumors began to swirl on social media suggesting that the veteran midfielder had played a role in the manager’s dismissal. It’s an accusation that struck at the very core of what Cazorla stands for — professionalism, integrity, and loyalty.

Now, at 40 years old, the Oviedo captain has broken his silence, hitting back firmly and emotionally. “I can’t allow my image to be tarnished,” he said, addressing reporters with a mixture of calm defiance and disappointment. “I’ve been a professional for 22 years. I’ve never had anything to do with the dismissal of a coach, and I never will.”

It was a rare flash of anger from one of football’s most universally respected figures — and a reflection of just how personal this storm has become.

Cazorla Denies Involvement in Paunovic Sacking

Real Oviedo v FC Barcelona – LaLiga EA Sports

The saga began shortly after Real Oviedo confirmed the dismissal of Veljko Paunovic, following a poor start to their return season in La Liga. Sitting 17th in the table, with just two wins from eight matches, the club had looked bereft of confidence and direction.

Yet, the timing of Paunovic’s departure — and the suddenness of it — led many fans to speculate online. Some accused senior players, including Cazorla, of influencing the board’s decision behind the scenes.

But Cazorla insists nothing could be further from the truth.

“The news came as a total shock to us,” he said. “We found out just before training on Thursday. None of us expected it. The squad had no involvement in the decision. I have the utmost respect for Paunovic — as a coach, as a person, as a professional.”

Cazorla’s words were calm but carried weight. After all, this isn’t just any player defending himself. This is a man who returned home to Oviedo — the club where his football journey began — to give back, to inspire, to lead.

“I Can’t Let My Image Be Tarnished” — The Veteran Speaks From the Heart

When Cazorla speaks, it’s rarely with ego or self-interest. But this time, there was emotion in every word.

“I’ve been in football for 22 years,” he reminded the press. “Ask any president, sporting director, or coach I’ve worked with — I’ve never interfered in club decisions. Never. I can’t allow my image to be tarnished because I’ve always tried to contribute in every way possible.”

For those who’ve followed his career — from his early days at Villarreal, to his magical midfield play at Málaga, and his unforgettable spell at Arsenal — this is quintessential Cazorla: fiercely protective of his principles.

He went on to praise Paunovic personally, showing once again the respect that has defined his approach to the game.

“I want to thank Paunovic for his work, for what he’s done for this club,” he said. “We had a great relationship, and I spoke with him yesterday personally. I want to thank him and his coaching staff — they’ve become part of Real Oviedo’s history forever.”

This wasn’t damage control; it was heartfelt gratitude. You could sense it in his tone — disappointment at how quickly social media can twist a narrative, frustration at how a moment of turbulence can cast shadows over decades of goodwill.

Oviedo’s Poor Start and the Return of Luis Carrión

Villarreal CF v Real Oviedo – LaLiga EA Sports

Behind all the noise, the reality remains that Real Oviedo’s start to life in La Liga has been rough. Eight games in, they sit perilously close to the relegation zone. Six losses and only two wins have left a team — full of promise and experience — struggling for rhythm and confidence.

The decision to part ways with Paunovic was seen by the board as necessary to halt the slide. But in typical Oviedo fashion, it came with controversy. The club has chosen to reappoint Luis Carrión, a familiar and divisive figure who managed the side during their time in the Segunda División.

For some fans, Carrión’s return represents a step backward. For others, it’s a practical move — a chance to stabilise the dressing room with a coach who knows the club and the culture.

Cazorla, for his part, chose to rise above the politics. Instead, he focused on unity.

“There are two options,” he told reporters pointedly. “Kill each other or die together. I’m clear about that — nothing is above Real Oviedo.”

It’s a powerful message — a call to arms, even. Cazorla knows that internal division can destroy a season before it’s even begun. He’s seen it happen in big clubs and small ones. Now, as captain, he’s determined to keep Oviedo focused on survival and stability.

What Next for Real Oviedo?

Carrión’s first test will be a big one: a home clash against Espanyol at the Carlos Tartiere. Espanyol, currently ninth in La Liga with 12 points, arrive in Asturias with confidence — and the ability to punish a side low on morale.

It’s a crucial moment in Oviedo’s campaign. The fans are anxious, the players are under pressure, and the club’s leadership is being questioned.

Cazorla, as always, remains the emotional anchor. Despite being 40 and nearing the twilight of his playing career, he continues to train with the same intensity that once made him a Premier League darling. Those who see him every day at El Requexón training ground say his professionalism is unwavering — first to arrive, last to leave, always with a word of encouragement for the younger players.

He’s well aware that the coming weeks could define the season. “We have to be united,” he said. “There’s no other way. The fans, the players, the staff — we all want the same thing. We have to protect this club together.”

A Career Built on Character

To understand why these accusations sting so deeply, you have to understand who Santi Cazorla is.

This is a man who came back from two years of injury hell — almost losing his leg after a string of infections — to play top-level football again. When doctors told him he might never walk properly, he came back to play for Spain. When people wrote him off, he won hearts at Villarreal all over again.

Now, in his final years, he’s back where it all began — not for money, not for fame, but for love of the game and his city.

In an era when footballers are often accused of chasing power and influence, Cazorla’s humility has always been his greatest strength. The idea that he would ever scheme to have a manager sacked runs counter to everything he has stood for throughout his career.

Leadership in the Face of Chaos

It’s clear that Real Oviedo are in a fragile place right now — a team searching for stability, a fanbase demanding accountability, and a veteran captain caught in the crossfire.

But Cazorla’s response shows exactly why he remains such a respected leader. He didn’t lash out. He didn’t hide. He stood up, faced the press, and defended not just his reputation, but the unity of his team.

It’s leadership of the purest kind — the kind that doesn’t shout, but inspires.

And as Oviedo prepare to face Espanyol in what already feels like a must-win game, Cazorla’s words will linger in the dressing room. “We can kill each other or die together.” It’s not just a statement — it’s a challenge.

The Final Act of a Gentleman Footballer

Whatever happens next, one thing is certain: Santi Cazorla’s legacy remains untouchable. His 22-year career has been defined by grace — not just in how he played the game, but how he lived it.

Whether this season ends in triumph or heartbreak, he’ll continue to be what he’s always been — a beacon of professionalism, humility, and love for football.

In many ways, this controversy will fade. Results will come and go, managers will change, and Oviedo will move forward. But Cazorla’s words — “I can’t let my image be tarnished” — will stay as a reminder that in a sport often clouded by ego and noise, there are still players who carry themselves with dignity above all else.