Real Sociedad boss David Moyes has questioned the wisdom of games in Spain kicking off as late as 10pm local time.
The Basques face Segunda B side Real Oviedo in a second-leg Copa del Rey tie at Anoeta on Wednesday, the first game having ended scoreless, and Moyes said he does not understand why start times are so late at night.
“This is a terrible time to be playing because it prevents youngsters from attending games,” the Scot told a Press conference.
“The only beneficiaries are the television companies, not the journalists or the fans, and football shouldn’t lose its roots because we need to get young people along to games. They are the ones who will bring their kids to matches in the future.
“I know if I had kids I wouldn’t bring them, that’s for sure. The situation needs to be addressed and the match is on too late.”
The former Manchester United manager went on to say his aim is “to win the Cup” but he would be giving priority to La Real’s position in the table, where they currently stand four points clear of the relegation zone.
“It’s very important to remain in the Cup but La Liga is the competition we are really focused on.
“I’d love to win the Copa del Rey and we’ll do all we can, but our focus remains the League.”
Moyes feels his team has been getting better in recent weeks and is expecting further improvement before the Christmas break.
“I feel we’ve improved a little and we did better against Athletic Bilbao, where we played with greater urgency and created chances, particularly in the first half.
“There has been a gradual improvement since I arrived but these things take time. We have two games until the break and my responsibility is to make sure we win them.
“We must get through this tie against Oviedo then beat Levante in the League.”
