Real Sociedad vs Getafe preview - We need a good mentality - Montanier

Posted Sunday, October 23, 2011 by PA

Real Sociedad coach Philippe Montanier has done his best to inject a measure of calm into proceedings this week.

After his side's impressive early-season form was abruptly halted by three consecutive defeats, Montanier closed the training ground this week to fans and the press.

The French coach has been pleased with the response from his players as he attempts to give them a more relaxed build-up to the match against Getafe.

He told AS: "We need a good mentality and concentration if we are to play well and win this weekend.

"What we have done this week (train behind closed doors) is an exception from what we have done in the three months since I arrived and I think it has been a good measure to take at this time.

"We were just looking to calm the players in a very nervous period.

"This week we have worked hard and the feeling has been good, I am not worried. Everything is going fine.

"A coach always has concerns, but against Zaragoza we played well, we were better in almost all areas both physically and with the ball, although we lacked the technical quality to take advantage of our possession.

"We can't allow this to happen again, we need to make the most of our superiority."

Montanier is still without Asier Illarramendi so club captain Mikel Aranburu will continue to deputise in the heart of the midfield.

David Zurutuza should also shake off a knock to retain his place in the side behind Imanol Agirretxe in attack and the French coach's options up front have been boosted by the return to fitness of Carlos Vela and Joseba Llorente.

Getafe also have positive news on the injury front with Abdel Barrada, Pedro Leon and Miguel Angel Moya set to return to the side after missing last weekend's 0-0 draw with Villarreal.

The Madrid side will also be boosted by the return of Mehdi Lacen from suspension and top scorer Miku will start after being rested last weekend due to his involvement in World Cup qualifiers for Venezuela the previous midweek.

Getafe's start to the season has been a disappointing one with only one win from seven games and manager Luis Garcia has said his side must start picking up points away from home.

Speaking at a press conference broadcast on the club's website he said: "We are in an important phase.

"There is very little difference between all the sides in the league but in three or four games' time there will be a much bigger gap and we have to take points now so we don't get isolated.

"If the gap gets wider it will make things very hard for us. We have played two good games away from home but they have got away from us, now is the time to win on the road."