Real Sociedad manager praises Real Madrid ahead of La Liga clash – ‘One of the best clubs’ | OneFootball

Real Madrid will look to maintain their hundred percent winning tally as they take on Real Sociedad at Anoeta this weekend.

This promises to be a challenge affair for Sociedad, who have secured only two points in the first three matches, with coach Sergio Francisco eager to turn things around.

Heading into this clash, the Real Sociedad manager talked about the available personnel at his disposal while also praising Real Madrid.

What Sergio Francisco said ahead of Real Madrid tie

In fact, Francisco hailed Real Madrid as one of the best clubs in the world, but he added that Sociedad will have the home advantage.

“Real Madrid are coming, and it’s no small rival,” he said (h/t Mundo Deportivo).

“Madrid is one of the best teams in the world, but we’re playing at home and we have the people on our side. We have to improve on what we’ve noticed we’re lacking.“

Talking about Real Madrid’s strengths, Francisco pointed out that Los Blancos are excellent in transition, admitting that coach Xabi Alonso has changed things at the Bernabeu.

“They’re the best in transition, we’ll have to counter them and limit them, and then create our own. Xabi has changed things at Madrid. They want the ball more, they’re more combinative,” he said.

Sergio Francisco highlighted the changes Xabi Alonso has made at Real Madrid this season. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

“The aggressiveness after losing the ball, the level of the collective. Madrid sinks you in the opponent’s half and also attacks space very well,” he added.

His words were echoed by Real Sociedad team captain, Igor Zubeldia, who also highlighted the changes introduced by Real Madrid’s new manager.

Sergio even revealed that he has crossed paths with Xabi Alonso two occassions, adding, “I coincided with him at Sanse for six months and it was a pleasure to spend time with him.”

The Real Sociedad manager offered some updates on his team as well, including Takefusa Kubo and Mikel Oyarzabal.

“Take had a play in which his ankle got caught. He didn’t play in the second game. He’s ready for the game without any problems. Against Mexico, he was very good until the ankle play. He’s another very important player for the team,” he said about Kubo.

Talking about Oyarzabal, the coach said, “He can play in all four forward positions and is decisive. When he’s involved, the play improves.”

As for Carlos Soler, he said, “Soler has been a factor throughout preseason. There have been times when discussions have suggested he’s been left out of the group. Now that he’s signed, he’s one more player and he’s available.”

Finally, the coach talked about the overall fitness of the team, stating that he would like to assess everyone coming back from the international break.

“We’re going to wait for everyone. We have to see how the international players are . We’ll choose the best eleven,” he concluded.