Real Sociedad midfielder Markel Bergara admits he will miss teammate Asier Illarramendi if the latter joins Real Madrid.
“It’s obvious that playing alongside him is a lot easier. Nonetheless, we’ll still continue to entertain,” the 27-year-old told Mundo Deportivo.
The pair were the cornerstone of the Basque club’s successful 2012-13 campaign, when a fourth place La Liga finish ensured entry into the qualification stages of the Champions League, and Bergara [pictured, left] is aware it will be difficult to repeat.
“It was a perfect year, both individually and collectively, and it will be tough to do it again, so we must appreciate what we have done.
“For a club like La Real to be so high in the table is always very demanding.”
Bergara, who came through the San Sebastian club’s youth system, also commented on new boss Jagoba Arrasate, appointed during the summer after Philippe Montanier departed for Rennes.
“He is doing things more or less the same as Montanier, but is adding his own little touches to things.
“In any case, we’ll have to see how the season progresses to draw more conclusions.
“Our first aim is to get as physically fit as we possibly can because we’ve not been used to playing so many games,” he explained.
