SÁNCHEZ FLORES: "WE NEED TO BE CONSISTENT TO GET POSITIVE RESULTS"

Quique Sánchez Flores spoke to the press at Friday's pre-match press conference. Ahead of facing Real Sociedad at 14:00 CET on Saturday, our head coach revealed that "we are not expecting an easy game. They are a very competitive side, one of the best in the league. They might not be in the greatest form currently, but they will be eager to get back on track. They are a great club and have had many good sides over the years. They will make it a tough game for us. They are physical and very good technically. We will have to play very well if we want to win."

He continued by saying "we're in a good position in terms of players returning from injury, which we are all very glad about. We've played some games without the players to form a plan B. But now we have players nearing a return to fitness that will be able to help us moving forward."

"We picked up eight points from a possible 12, which is what we should be aiming to achieve consistently. But we have to stay alert to the danger"

Sánchez Flores then said that "we have to remember that this is still a very difficult season and we're coming off the back of some very tough fixtures. We have some big games coming up that won't be easy either. We've established a sense of humility within the squad and managed to pick up eight points from a possible 12, which is what we should be aiming to achieve consistently. However we must not get complacent, we have to stay alert to the danger. The day we beat Atlético de Madrid, we solidified the connection to the fans, something that is so important to us. We would not be in the same situation without their support."

“We’ll go with the best available team in the circumstances. We will also rely on the academy players, like Manu Bueno or Xavi Sintes, as they have plenty to offer,” Quique added. 

“We just have to keep winning and picking up points. We’re six points away from the relegation zone but we want to be 14” 

Our head coach then addressed the connection between the players and fans: “We’re building a team and we’re looking at ways to improve the situation. In the Atlético game [at home] we felt the power of the fans. They always support us whatever happens and despite the disappointment of this season. We want to repay them. I’m looking for everyone to step up and put us back where we belong. We have to keep winning and picking up points to be where we want to be. We’re six points away from the relegation zone but we want to be 14. It’s time for results.”

Quique rounded off by highlighting the potential importance of players returning to fitness: “Winning against a team as strong as Real Sociedad would be huge for us. That’s the aim, we want to perform and get the three points. Getting players back from injury could be crucial for the energy levels of the squad. It’s the same for the Real Sociedad. I’ve been here for two months but the squad has had a long injury list for the whole season. We are currently without eight players, so we’ll need to see who they’re missing. If they have injuries, we need to capitalise on it as well as using our home advantage. The supporters will be crucial.”