Philippe Montanier has declined the notion that Real Sociedad will be distracted by his future heading into the weekend’s game with Real Madrid.
La Real play host to Madrid this Sunday evening currently level on points with Valencia in the race for the fourth and final Champions League qualifying spot, but ahead on the head-to-head rule.
Preparations have been matched, though, with confirmation that Montanier will be leaving in the summer to join Rennes, but as he told reporters today, it is not an issue that will effect Real’s players this week.
“No they won’t be. We’ve spoken in the dressing room of our goal, how to approach the game against Real Madrid,” declared Montanier in his Press conference.
“Everyone is very focused on this game and we are motivated.
“Madrid have nothing to play for? For me it is worse that Madrid come here without pressure, it is a problem for us because they can play at a high level.
“It is a drawback rather than an advantage. We know it will be a difficult game but we have played good games against great teams. It shall be hard, but we can do it.
“Their team is one of the best in the world. Xabi Alonso is key to their team, but we have to be careful because all their players are at a high level.
“Real Madrid can do everything, they are one of the best teams in the world and we will be motivated.
“We have played well against all the big teams except for Madrid. This is going to be an opportunity, but more importantly , we want the three points.
“To me this game is like a semi-final, because we hope that next week against Deportivo will then be a final.
“This is also the last game of the year at Anoeta and we will be expected to get a victory.”
