Xabi Prieto says that Real Sociedad are not going to get distracted from the priority of League football over that in the Champions League.
The San Sebastian outfit are into the group stages of the European competition this season and begin with a home match against Shakhtar Donetsk a week tomorrow.
However, before that, the team must navigate a tricky trip to Levante and their captain is in no doubt as to the task and priority at hand.
“We are clear that Saturday’s game comes first, we have started preparing for it from today,” stated Prieto to reporters today.
“It will a tough game against an opponent that since we have returned to the Primera Division [in 2010] we have not beaten and they now have a new Coach.
“They have four points and their only defeat was against Barca, so we have enough reasons to worry.
“Ciutat de Valencia is a tough ground and they are a tough team, whilst [Coach Joaquin] Caparros can be very elaborate, and so this will not be different from previous years.
“We will see if we can change the course of the last few seasons, though.”
The midfielder considered Real’s test this term in playing games every three-to-four days whilst European participation continues.
“We have the example of weeks ago playing on a Wednesday and a Sunday and the team has been complete and raised themselves, and I have no doubt that we can do this in the following weeks.”
Prieto was asked what goals the club have set for this coming season.
“Every year is different and so you never know, so if I was to put a target in place now then it is worthless because it could change.
“We will fight to be as high as possible. Now it is not worth putting up a target, but we have a good team and hopefully we can have a good season and again fight for Europe.
“But last season, the Champions League was only a goal in the final 10 weeks of the season.
“We are all excited about the Champions League, we will meet Manchester United and get to play at Old Trafford, but we know that next year, if we want to play again in the Champions League, we have to do well in the League.
“We understand what is important and that where we need to give our highest level is in the League.”
