David Moyes Admits Early Struggles With Real Sociedad

Former Manchester United manager David Moyes was appointed his new position at Real Sociedad in early November.

Since the Scotsman’s arrival in San Sebastian, La Real have lost once, won twice and drawn four in all competitions. They’ve advanced to the Copa del Rey Round of 16 and have slightly improved their position on the La Liga table.

Moyes admits that learning a new language and adapting to a different culture have been the biggest challenges during the early part of his move to Basque Country.

“For now the language, certainly [has been a challenge]. It is very different,” Moyes told the Spanish newspaper AS. 

“Also the culture, but I am enjoying having dinner later. Although it is true that in the mornings we train later than in England. I also like that the meals are longer, I can get used to that quite easily.”

“And I find it different when I try to make a meeting between 2pm and 4pm – here it is rare and because I cannot find anyone.”

“But what surprises me most is the attitude of the players and their desire to learn. They are impacting upon me.”

Moyes told AS that he has been taking Spanish lessons which have allowed him to learn football related words in order to communicate better with his players.

The Scottish manager said that he is enjoying his time in La Liga so far, but believes there is more room for growth within the club.

“I am enjoying my time here, although I have just arrived. I have been given time to get to know my players better, as well as the club and the environment, and my assessment is already becoming more complete. We all want to change things in the future but it must be bit by bit, not drastically. Things will change, but with logic.”

“In any case, all that matters to me is the team and that we go up gradually.”

Asked about the differences between La Liga and the Premier League, Moyes said he believed both leagues were competitive, but believes football in Spain is more technical as opposed to the more physical nature in England.

“Spanish football can be more technical and perhaps English football can be more physical and with stronger teams.”

“But we must recognize that this Spanish national team have won a World Cup and two European Championships and that means that in Spain, in this Liga, they are doing things very well.”

“I have always stressed that English football is very competitive, but since I have been here I think that La Liga is too.”

“I love the diversity that is being achieved in La Liga and the Premier League, and that is a good thing for this sport.”

Moyes was then reminded that Real Sociedad president recently stated that he believes the San Sebastian club can still qualify for Europe. But the manager wouldn’t be drawn into making any guarantees for next season.

“It will be difficult to return to the Europa League, all of us must have that clear. But at the same time, I think that after the next fix to six matches we all will know if it is feasible.”

“Now I focus, and it’s my obsession, on winning every game so that we can leave the prospect of relegation behind as soon as possible.”

“If we achieve good results at the start of the year, we may be able to start to look further up the table.”

Real Sociedad currently sit in fourteenth place in La Liga, only three points separate the club from the relegation zone in Spain.

La Real’s next match with be on January 4th when the host second-place Barcelona.