Real Sociedad vs Deportivo La Coruna preview - Depor debt leaves Lendoiro "ashamed"

Posted Sunday, January 13, 2013 by PA

Domingos Paciencia will hope to build on his winning start as boss of Deportivo La Coruna when his new side travel to San Sebastien to take on Real Sociedad.

The Portuguese's first game in charge saw Depor beat high-flying Malaga last weekend to climb off the bottom of the Primera Division table and move to within a point of safety.

The club are also in financial trouble, though, and this week confirmed they were seeking protection from their creditors.

President Augusto Lendoiro said at a press conference: "This makes me sad and ashamed, but there was no other option. Between 85 per cent and 90 per cent of the debt is with the government and banks."

The move enabled Depor to agree new contracts with Ze Castro, Manuel Pablo, Bruno Gama, Pablo Insua and Paulo Teles, while defender Silvio has arrived from Atletico Madrid on loan and midfielder Paulo Assuncao is another new face following his departure from Sao Paulo.

Deportivo will hope to capitalise on the end of Real Sociedad's seven-match unbeaten run, although they pushed Real Madrid all the way on Sunday before going down 4-3 at the Bernabeu.

Winger Antoine Griezmann is targeting a return to winning ways, and he said: "Every game we have to win, but now we come off a loss. We want three points to stay calm and give joy to the fans."

The Frenchman was one of several Sociedad players struggling with gastroenteritis last weekend, while an injury last year has also taken its toll, but he is hopeful of a better showing this weekend.

He said in Marca: "I think after the injury that I've been at a lower level than normal, but I think I have been improving. In training I am getting better and I hope to demonstrate that against Depor."