DIEGO ALONSO: "IT HAS BEEN A PRODUCTIVE TWO WEEKS"

Diego Alonso spoke to the media on Friday ahead of Sunday's match against Real Sociedad. "We've had two very productive weeks. The first was used for recovery while in the second, we have been looking to tighten up some things, change a few tactics. We have a very busy schedule leading up to Christmas - many LaLiga, Champions League and Copa del Rey matches one after another. Every single one will be very important and we'll take them as they come."

When asked whether we should expect a different style of play on Sunday, he responded "we have to adapt to the situation and create chances in whichever way possible. They [Real Sociedad] are a very good team and have now spent many seasons with their coach. They know what works and they like to play with intensity. We'll have to put in a big performance to deny them."

In addition, he addressed the situations of Nyland and Marcao. "They are both doubts. Nyland is recovering but we won't make a decision until tomorrow. Marcao is better, but he's had many previous injuries. Taking precautions, he didn't train today. They are doubts but we'll decide tomorrow."

In terms of the dressing room, Alonso indicated "order and discipline always come first, then we can enjoy. I'm very happy with the players, they are professionals and they are committed. It has been a difficult period, results haven't been as good as the fans expect, but we are all determined to improve." With regards to Sergio Ramos's captaincy, he said "it was a joint decision with the club. Sergio is always a leader, with or without the armband. It makes sense for him to be one of the captains." With the captains' contracts ending in the summer, our head coach explained "it is a topic that we've spoken about. When the season finishes we can talk about contracts with each of them. What is important is the trust that they have in each other on and off the pitch. Contract talks will come later down the line."

Alonso did not dwell on matters concerning the boardroom when questioned: "it doesn't really apply to us. It's related to things off the pitch. We can have an influence on it by working together, and that's what we focus on. We can't do anything about the rest." 

He also spoke about the presence of young players within the squad: "You can see that there is a constant flow of young players and, as coaches, we need to give them the space to develop so the transition from the academy is as smooth as possible."

Returning to the match at hand, he insisted that it is "an extremely difficult match, firstly because of the opponent. Their pace of play is very high and we have to be up to it, as we were against Real Madrid, and in the second half against Betis. In 78 games, we have won eight times in San Sebastián, so we have to be strong and keep improving."

The Uruguayan explained the decision to play Nianzou as a full-back in training today: "He has the characteristics to help us as in wider positions. We believe that today, in some spaces, football is moving towards players with the ability to move out onto the wing. In some cases, if someone knows the position, he could be a better centre-back. 

"Sergio Ramos started as a full-back and ended up as the best centre-back in the world because he knew how to defend on the wing. We turned Ronald Araújo into a full-back in the [Uruguayan] national team set-up and today he plays regularly in both positions. That made him a better player. When a player is familiar with more positions, it provides more solutions."

One player who could return to his former home is Adnan Januzaj: "You can see that he has the desire and he has been working better in recent weeks. He has great qualities but it always depends on the player. It's always a good problem for the coach when a player is knocking on the door, challenging for a place in the starting line-up. Suso has also done that in the last few weeks and that healthy competition allows us to improve. If they perform well and work hard, it's up to me to decide who is better". 

Finally, he touched on Lucas Ocampos: "He has come back in graet condition. He was ready to play the second game with the national team. As a precaution he wasn't on the bench against Uruguay, but he has performed well."