Football
9y

Real Sociedad say David Moyes' job is secure

Real Sociedad sporting director Loren says the club are not looking at possible replacements for coach David Moyes, while adding that one win so far in La Liga is not an acceptable return given the quality of the txuri-urdin squad.

Moyes and La Real seemed set for a decent season after a summer transfer window which saw the arrival of proven talent including returning midfielder Asier Illarramendi and Brazilian centre-forward Jonathas.

However, the team have won just one of their first eight games, and currently sit just outside the relegation zone in 17th position after Sunday's 0-2 reverse at home to Atletico Madrid.

Meanwhile the former Manchester United and Everton manager continues to be linked with a return to the Premier League, most recently as a potential successor should Tim Sherwood not continue at Aston Villa.

Asked on Teledonosti and reported by Mundo Deportivo, Loren said there was no thought at the moment of changing coach, however he maintained that the team's current situation was not good.

"We're not looking for alternatives to Moyes," Loren said. "We're focused on improving the team, so that the performance on the pitch is what we consider the squad can give. We did not think we would have this number of points at this stage.

"This is a wider squad we have had compared to other seasons, in terms of numbers and quality. The club has made an effort to put together a high level squad and we have achieved that. There is sufficient quality to win more games than we have done so far."

Moyes continued to work hard on the training ground, former La Real captain Loren said.

"I see him very focused on his work," he said. "He has ideas and the points [total] does not change the way he works or his intensity. In this sense, there is no problem. The gaffer is motivated, the team wants to do well, you see that on the pitch. It is not a lack of attitude."

The team, which has found the net in just three of their eight games so far, was lacking attacking effectiveness and ideas though, Loren said.

"We are lacking clarity, effectiveness in the final third of the pitch, and clear ideas to open up defences," he said. "We have not been too far away. Something must change. This team must have more options to break these defences."

During the preseason, Moyes said that the club, not he, had been in charge of transfer business, an apportioning of duties which Loren rejected.

"I don't know why he said that," Loren said. "He took part in the decision to sign the players. Although the proposals did come from the club's technical department."

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