Real Sociedad vs Malaga preview - Agirretxe backs turnaround - 7M sport

Real Sociedad vs Malaga preview - Agirretxe backs turnaround



Posted Saturday, November 01, 2014 by PA

Striker Imanol Agirretxe has backed his Real Sociedad team-mates to arrest the club's miserable Primera Division form when they face Malaga at the Anoeta Stadium on Saturday.

Sociedad, who recorded a seventh-placed finish last campaign, have only one La Liga victory to their name this term and that, rather remarkably, came at the end August against Real Madrid.

Since that 4-2 triumph in San Sebastian, Jagoba Arrasate's side have picked up just three points in seven league games to leave them in 17th place - just one point clear of the relegation zone with a haul of six points from nine games.

Last weekend's 1-1 draw at Cordoba prevented a third successive league defeat and Agirretxe has every confidence that he and his fellow Sociedad players will halt their winless run before too long.

"I think the team has got what to takes to turn this around, this isn't the first time we've been in a situation like this - it's something we have been able to handle in the past," he told the club's website.

"On Saturday, we need to put in a very focused game for the full 90 minutes. I think we have sorted out a lot of the defensive mistakes we made against Getafe and Cordoba but of course we have to compliment that by being solid in attack.

"With the same players and the same coach we've shown that we can either be just above the relegation places or battling in the Champions League positions - the experience we have gained can only make us stronger.

"We have to forget about the games we have played until now, keep believing in ourselves and continue looking forward. We have to win for the club, for Real Sociedad - that's the most important thing and what comes before the players and the coach."

Agirretxe and company could well have their work cut out for them at the weekend, for they face a Malaga side currently on a hot streak of form after an indifferent start to the season.

Malaga have won their last three league matches after going five without a win to reach the heady heights of seventh with 15 points from nine fixtures.

Los Boquerones boss and former Sociedad player Javi Gracia, who succeeded Bernd Schuster as coach in the summer, has urged his players to ensure their fine form continues for as long as possible.

"We need to value every moment based on our objectives, and know that good results come from a lot of hard work," he told his club's website. "We want to make the most out of this dynamic. Although it won't be easy, we want to gain as many points as we can."

Gracia added: "I hope we put on our best show at the Anoeta stadium. We'll try and impose our style of play, although we're prepared for what could turn out to be a very difficult game."



Attention: Third parties may advertise their products and/or services on our website.7M does not warrant the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of their contents.
Your dealings with such third parties are solely between you and such third parties and we shall not be liable in any way for any loss or damage of any sort incurred by you.