Jagoba Arrasate has told Real Madrid they cannot afford to drop points against Real Sociedad today.
La Real’s Coach has conducted an interview with Marca in which the discussion of the weekend’s fixtures features prominently.
Arrasate is looking for the points to push his team up the rankings and put pressure on Athletic Bilbao for fourth place but believes Los Blancos are feeling the strain too.
“They are three very important points and would establish us in the European places, and maybe we could even aspire to greater heights,” Arrasate said.
“And Madrid have no margin of error. They have to win. The game will be difficult but if we are at our level we can win.
“At Anoeta we feel like we can compete with anyone. That’s how it was against Barcelona and I hope for the same against Madrid. If we play well, we can win.”
Arrasate was asked if Real Madrid had already lost the League title, sitting as they do in third, three points behind leaders Atletico Madrid.
“I don’t think so. A few games ago they were seen as champions and now hardly anyone gives them a chance,” Arrasate replied.
“The truth is neither one thing nor the other. There were two games that they lost but they could have won.
“It’s true those results greatly complicated the issue but they still have options.”
Arrasate was also asked for his thoughts on former Sociedad player Asier Illaramendi, who left for Madrid last summer.
“It’s not easy to show the best version of yourself in your first year in Madrid,” Arrasate pointed out.
“He almost always plays well, but can do better.
“Here he was our reference point but there are other players who can cover for him. But he’s a great player and he’ll get there.”
