Racing de Santander vs Real Sociedad preview - Tamudo: We cannot be nervous

Posted Sunday, March 20, 2011 by PA

Real Sociedad striker Raul Tamudo admits a victory over Racing Santander would help calm the growing nerves at the Basque club following their poor recent run.

Sociedad had looked capable of challenging for a European berth not so long ago but they have picked up just one point from their last four matches to slip down to 10th place.

Last season's Segunda Division champions are now seven points adrift of the top six, and nine points above the relegation zone heading into their clash with northern neighbours Racing.

The vastly experienced Tamudo said: "When things don't go as you want it's normal that you start to feel nerves, but you don't gain anything by being nervous.

"There are 10 games left, we have 35 points and we need to try and win to dispel all the doubts and move on to 38 points, which would help give us greater peace of mind for the games left.

"We're keen to turn this situation around."

However, Tamudo knows it will not be easy against a Racing side who are in even more desperate need of points.

Successive 3-1 defeats to Real Madrid and Osasuna in their last two games has left the Cantabrian outfit in 16th spot, four points above the relegation zone.

Tamudo added: "It's going to be a difficult game. They are playing for a lot and if they win they will breathe a little easier, but, if they don`t, it will make things a little more difficult."

Looking on the flip side, Racing coach Marcelino Garcia Toral knows a victory for his team could help suck Sociedad into the mire.

"If we win, we would get another team involved in the fight to avoid relegation and it also would give us a big step forward," he said.

"We're ready, prepared and in optimum condition to get the three points."