Jagoba Arrasate is under no illusions as to the disappointing results of Real Sociedad, calling for more from his players.
La Real haven’t won any of their last five League games, taking only five points from their opening seven fixtures, and sitting 15th as the Primera adjourned for the international break.
Having also been knocked out of the Europa League by Krasnodar, Arrasate acknowledged it has been a bad start and admitted the last week – following a defeat to Espanyol – has been particularly hard.
“We had a lot of hopes for that match and it was like two steps back,” he conceded in an interview with Marca.
“But I’m looking forward to the match against Getafe, to win and start pushing on.
“Krasnodar was a hard one to take but the League itself has been the worst. The defeat to Almeria was a blow. We thought we’d done enough and in the end the result was unfair.”
Arrasate has nevertheless been backed by his President, whose statement appeared to containing a qualifier that a change would come if results didn’t pick up.
“I have almost daily contact with the President and I wasn’t surprised by his statement,” Arrasate insisted.
“I know that in football, when things go well, you’re there for a long time and if results are bad, everything is called into question, starting with the ability of the Coach.
“I appreciate that the President showed his public support as he does to me in private every day.
“I can’t deny there’s a need to correct what we’re doing wrong but his confidence gives me even more strength to work every day.
“[The comment about results] isn’t one just from him but from all Presidents. The Getafe match isn’t an ultimatum but an opportunity to win, get the three points we need and get more confidence. I wish the game was now. There’s no fear.”
La Real’s form has differed wildly away from home as compared to at Anoeta, with Arrasate at a loss to find a reason why.
“It’s difficult. We can have a great game against Valencia and then, a week later, the same players show another face,” he lamented.
“We have to correct that and add more points at home, but also away from home.
“I understand there is disappointment [among the fans] at the European exit because the start to the season hasn’t been as desired.
“It’s clear that we want to return to our dreams and especially to winning games, because that ends all the debates.
“Too passive? I think I’m quite active on the sidelines, standing and conveying information. And another thing is that at some point the reaction has to come from within you.
“On one hand I want to coach and make the most of this team, to get as high as possible, but I’m also a big fan of La Real and it hurts me to see the team so far down the table.
“I have two reasons to take La Real to where they deserve, which is much higher than this.”
It was put to Arrasate that the loss of Claudio Bravo and Antoine Griezmann, to Barcelona and Atletico Madrid respectively, is having an impact.
“Obviously they were two important players and therefore, we’ve lost something where they’ve gone,” he agreed.
“But we need to understand that we have a good squad and we should be a lot higher up. I know the team has to be much higher in the table.”
