Gorka Álvarez chosen by Real Sociedad to lead European campaign | OneFootball

Real Sociedad have selected Gorka Álvarez to succeed Arturo Ruiz after his move to Brighton, one day after the 5-2 first-leg defeat to Chelsea. Fernando Torres will lead Wednesday’s return at Zubieta, 19:00, while Álvarez prepares to take over.

According to AS, Álvarez has worked across Zubieta and was Eibar’s assistant in Liga F last season. He could make his top-flight debut on matchday 2 at Granada on Monday at 19:30.

Torres said facing a side of Chelsea’s stature is motivation to deliver and try to turn it around, adding the squad should relish the chance. He cannot call up Aiara Agirrezabala, María Molina or Sonya Keefe.

Captain Ainhoa Moraza stressed unity and the primacy of the dressing room. She felt Ruiz’s exit two days before the league start was a surprise, even for the club, and that the timing was not ideal.

Chelsea have travelled with Erin Cuthbert, Manaka Matsukubo and Mayra Ramírez still out. If La Real do not overturn the 5-2, they would continue in Europe via the Europa Cup, entering the second round, a 32-team stage, and would be the first Spanish side to contest a competition barely a year old.

Source: AS

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”