Real Sociedad vs Villarreal preview - Montanier: My future's not the issue

Real Sociedad manager Philippe Montanier has again brushed off rumours over his future at the club and insists he is just concentrating on beating Villarreal this weekend to all but seal survival.

The Basque side are currently three points ahead of the Yellow Submarine and a further five clear of the relegation zone, but despite a four-game unbeaten run, many are linking Valencia boss Unai Emery with a return to his home region at the end of the season.

Montanier told a press conference broadcast on the club's website: "What worries me is Villarreal and the match. My personal case doesn't matter, what does is that the fans support the team in an important game."

The Frenchman also believes that his players should be just as fired up to make sure they don't become involved in the relegation fight with the visitors, who have battling the drop all season.

"They are not going to have more hunger than us; it isn't possible," he said.

"We know that we are going to play against a team with great quality and that has the maximum motivation and determination, but so do we. It is a difficult match, but a victory brings us much closer to survival in the Primera."

Mikel Gonzalez is suspended for the hosts after his red card against Malaga last weekend and Inigo Martinez remains on the sidelines, but Vadim Demidov is fit enough to return at centre-back.

Meanwhile, Villarreal manager Miguel Angel Lotina has said he still believes his side have the quality to secure their place in the league next season.

Villarreal followed up a morale-boosting last-minute win over Malaga by conceding themselves in stoppage time to draw 1-1 with Racing Santander last weekend and Lotina has stressed it is important not to overanalyse those contrasting emotions.

He told the club's website, "I believe with quality and talent you can overcome all setbacks.

"Last week we experienced both sides of the coin against Malaga and Racing. When it goes in your favour you treat it normally and when it goes against you, you look for reasons why.

"Football has two faces, but the thing we must insist on is improving our performances because that is how you improve results."

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