Real Sociedad vs Getafe preview - Zurutuza quells Europe chatter

Posted Saturday, December 08, 2012 by PA

Real Sociedad midfielder David Zurutuza believes talk of the Basques qualifying for Europe come the end of the season is "stupid".

Philippe Montanier's men secured a stunning 5-2 victory away at Valencia last weekend and have now taken 10 points from the last 12 available, but despite being just two points off the Europa League places - they currently sit in ninth - Zurutuza thinks they have more immediate goals, such as overtaking Getafe with a win this weekend.

He told the club's website: "Right now to speak of Europe or the Champions League is stupid.

"We have to be there at the end of the season with the possibility of doing something, but there are a lot of games remaining and we need to concentrate on what is happening now.

"We are doing well and we need to take advantage of this moment. We can't relax or believe we are more than we are, we need to continue working in the same manner and play like we know we can."

Top-scorer Carlos Vela is suspended for the hosts so Gonzalo Castro could be recalled to the starting XI, but Asier Illarramendi returns from his ban and Zurutuza and Diego Ifran are expected to shake off minor injuries to play.

Getafe boss Luis Garcia has defended his side after claims they have won games in recent weeks without playing great football.

He told the club's website: "Both Real Sociedad and Getafe are in their best moment of the year.

"They have a line of three attacking midfielders that are amongst the best in the Primera. The likes of Xabi Prieto, (Antoine) Griezmann and Vela have the quality and experience of the same level as our midfield.

"When we have played badly I have been the first person to say so. I think we are seeing a hard-working Getafe that is always solid in what it tries to do but, apart from Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico, there are few teams that play better than Getafe."

Diego Castro is suspended for the visitors but the former Sporting Gijon man has only been a substitute in recent weeks anyway and Garcia is expected to name the same side that beat Malaga 1-0 last weekend.