Real Sociedad vs Malaga preview - Ansotegui: Survival the priority

Posted Sunday, March 13, 2011 by PA

Real Sociedad defender Jon Ansotegui insists his side still have Primera Division survival as their main objective even though they could be just two points off the European spots if results go their way this weekend.

Sociedad have suffered a slump in recent weeks, picking up just one point from their last three games, but despite that they remain in a healthy position in the top half of the table ahead of the visit of rock-bottom Malaga.

Last season's Segunda Division champions are much closer to the top six than they are the bottom three, but it is still safety that remains their main concern.

Asked if last week's defeat to Deportivo La Coruna meant they should stop thinking about Europe, Ansotegui said in AS: "We've never changed our initial idea. The objective will only change if we first achieve survival. We need to achieve that as soon as possible.

"We need to take it game by game. We weren't focused on Europe before the Depor game, and neither now do we need to think of other things (than safety).

"Anything can happen still and we'll see where we finish," added Ansotegui, who insisted it was not negative thinking to focus on securing their top-flight status. "To talk of safety doesn't mean a lack of ambition," he said.

"If we reach 44 points by the end of March, then we can think of other things until May."

Malaga have little choice but to focus solely on trying to avoid the drop.

A 7-0 thumping by Real Madrid followed by last weekend's home defeat to Osasuna - the Pamplona side's first away win in over a year - has left Malaga in last place and four points adrift of safety.

Prior to those two defeats, though, the Andalusian side looked to be improving with a four-match unbeaten run, and coach Manuel Pellegrini remains confident they can avoid relegation.

The Chilean said: "Before the last couple of defeats, the team was on a good run.

"The first thing we have to have is faith and optimism in ourselves. I'm sure that the team is on the right path to stay in the division. We now need the three points against Real Sociedad, we have to win on Sunday.

"All games are vital when the team is in last place and there are fewer matches left. We hope to recover points in San Sebastian."