Real Sociedad manager ready for Real Madrid challenge – ‘Why can’t we beat them?’ | OneFootball

After their much-needed win over Girona in La Liga at the weekend, Real Madrid return to action in the Copa del Rey where they are now in the semifinal.

Barcelona and Atletico lock horns for one spot in the final, and Real Madrid arguably have the easier route as they face Real Sociedad. Truth be told, however, beating La Real will be a much trickier affair than it appears.

The first leg tomorrow will take place in the Basque country and Real Madrid will have the home advantage for the critical second leg. Tomorrow’s game, thus, will be about stability first.

Real Sociedad boss speaks

Speaking to the media ahead of his team’s semifinal against Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey, Real Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil spoke on a plethora of topics including the injury updates from his camp and the grueling match he expected.

“Without a doubt, the players and I have those butterflies. And the fans understand that too. There will be a great atmosphere tomorrow at the stadium. It’s a special day, of course,” he began, explaining what the game meant to his team.

He then elaborated on why the game meant so much to him and his dressing room and the hectic schedule ahead which is filled with elite opponents.

“It’s a huge challenge, the expectation too. I have told the players: it is a historic moment in the club. Rarely will we face such teams playing what we play. Madrid, Barça, Manchester, Sevilla, Manchester. We have to enjoy competing in this madness.”

The manager also rallied the fans and requested them to turn up in large numbers to support the team in the first leg tomorrow.

“The fans will be key. The players need them. Let’s see if we put everything on our part on the green and we can get the game on the wire. Together we are stronger.”

On the semifinal and the high standards

Imanol’s press conference largely comprised of him speaking on how his men must be flawless against Real Madrid to pick up a good result and he stated that there was no room for any excuses, saying:

“It’s a Copa del Rey semifinal, we’re in the elite. We are facing a mighty team. Zero excuses, no tiredness. We play to enter another final and this one with an audience.”

“The players are ready, with enthusiasm, and on days like this the tiredness does not appear,” he added.

Imanol Alguacial ready for Real Madrid. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Alguacil also spoke on the privilege of his team to be in the semifinal alongside the three giants in Spain – Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atletico Madrid, saying:

“I’m happy because in the semifinals we are the big three and us. That is, the big four (laughs).”

Staying on the theme of why it is difficult to beat an elite opponent like Los Blancos, the Real Sociedad boss said:

“They are the best team in the world, they are proving it. They have a great coach that I really appreciate.”

“If Madrid is big, and it is, it is because it competes to death in all competitions. I have no doubt that they give a lot of importance to playing a Cup final and winning it,” he added.

Finally, he spoke on how his team was ready for the challenge that lay ahead and how it was the best semifinal they could have hoped for.

“It’s a super powerful semifinal, the best we could have. We have a crazy desire to be able to do it well.”

Imanol provides injury updates

Real Sociedad have been plagued by injuries at centre-back in recent weeks and the blow to Nayef Aguerd in their most recent game came as a massive worry. He did reveal today, however, that two players will return to face Los Blancos.

“Aguerd and Sucic’s evolutions are good. Luka is fully recovered and says he’s ready to play,” he said.

“Aguerd you haven’t seen him on the field as a precaution but tomorrow he will be, he is optimistic too. Both could be in the lineup,” he added on Aguerd.

Imanol also gave importance to the momentum his team carried into the Cup semifinal and why it was the best time to play an opponent like Real Madrid.

“In terms of results, we will surely arrive at the best time, yes. We are strong at home. We have to be competitive, play a great game against ours to bring him to our side.”

“We have to do everything right, in attack, in defense, in the set ball. With teams like that you can’t lose a minute because they take advantage of anything,” he added.

On the game he expects

Finally, Imanol ended his press conference by giving his two cents on what would unfold tomorrow night and the possible result. He began by replying to the question of whether Los Blancos were favorites.

“Favourite? You tell me. But I can tell you that we have beaten Madrid before. If they have a good day, the normal thing is that we lose but… who knows,” he began.

“Madrid is the best but why can’t we beat them? We have played great games against them. In our mind is to win tomorrow and face the tie,” he added.

He then revealed what he thought would be the key tomorrow, saying: “There will be times when we can push up and others when even if we don’t want to, they will force us back and we will have to get together and retreat.”

“In the set pieces we know that they are powerful, they have a lot of quality to generate chances in any way. They are the best in everything and that’s why they are where they are,” he added on Real Madrid’s strength.

“There will be moments for everything and we will have to do everything very well. Mbappe even with dental trouble… it won’t affect him much, I’m telling you,” he concluded.

Source: Mundo Deportivo