Real Sociedad vs Hercules CF preview - Djukic set for bow

Posted Sunday, April 03, 2011 by PA

Miroslav Djukic makes his bow as coach of Hercules tasked with the tough job of saving the club from an immediate return to the Segunda Division.

Djukic, the former Yugoslavia international, has taken over from Esteban Vigo, who was sacked prior to the international break following a miserable run which saw Hercules claim just four points from a possible 33 since mid-January.

That dismal form has left the promoted outfit bottom of the standings and four points adrift of safety ahead of the trip to Real Sociedad, where Hercules, who have the worst away record in the division, will attempt to claim only their second win on the road.

Left-back Paco Pena, who is fit again after almost two months out injured, said of the fixture: "Anything you can pick up away from home is positive, but in our situation we need the three points."

Aside from their poor away form, Hercules have also had problems keeping clean sheets - just two in their last 24 games - but striker Nelson Haedo Valdez says new coach Djukic has been working hard on the team's defending during his short time in charge.

"As a player Djukic was known for being an excellent defender and now he wants to pass this knowledge on to us, because we need to stop conceding goals if we want to get out of the difficult situation we find ourselves in," he said.

Sociedad had looked in contention for a place in next season's Europa League following a string of positive results earlier in the campaign, but that now seems unlikely after taking just one point from their last five games.

That run has seen Martin Lasarte's men drop to 11th spot, seven points off the European places and six above the relegation zone.

Looking ahead to the game against their fellow promoted club, Sociedad winger Xabi Prieto said: "It's our most important game of the season so far."