Gajate and Caleta-Car, centre-backs easing concerns | OneFootball

Real Sociedad reach the Copa final with past and present centre-backs, Agustín Gajate and Duje Caleta-Car, weighing how to subdue Atlético Madrid.

According to Diario Vasco, the former Real stalwart and the Croatian compared eras and sketched ways to handle Diego Simeone’s attacking options, including Julián Álvarez, Antoine Griezmann, Giuliano and Sorloth. La Real lost 3-2 at the Metropolitano a few weeks ago yet still troubled Atlético despite a poor display.

Caleta-Car stresses a defender’s first duty is to protect the goal. With VAR catching everything, he avoids tricks, sees himself as tough not dirty, and aims to stop strikers so team-mates can finish.

Gajate says his rugged image is exaggerated, and that in his day either the ball or the forward got through, not both. He still disputes the famous Hugo Sánchez flashpoint and recalls scoring before a late red card in a 2-1 win against Real Madrid.

He admits suspensions cost him games. He also explains the “zapatones” tag came from a duck-like gait when tired, not foot size. His is 42, Caleta-Car’s 45.

Caleta-Car says he would take a shootout penalty, having scored in the Nations League against France. Gajate reveals he was down as fifth taker after Larrañaga in the 1987 final, and felt relieved when Arconada’s save spared him.

Caleta-Car calls finals games to win, while Gajate says a one-off offers a chance if luck turns.

Source: Diario Vasco