Sevilla vs Real Sociedad preview - Agirretxe frustrated by profligacy

Posted Tuesday, September 23, 2014 by PA

Imanol Agirretxe believes Real Sociedad can topple high-flying Sevilla if they develop a cutting edge in front of goal to match their creativity.

The 27-year-old striker, who has found the net once for Sociedad so far in the Primera Division this season, was frustrated by how many chances went begging during their shock 2-1 defeat to Almeria at the Anoeta Stadium on Sunday.

Agirretxe felt they were on top for long periods and can expect more than a solitary consolation strike if they continue to create opportunities.

"We had numerous chances to score and hit the woodwork four times, which isn't normal," he told the club's website, realsociedad.com.

"Now we have to change our mindset and start looking forward to the Sevilla game.

"The league campaign is non-stop and you always experience low points during the season; we have to believe in ourselves, continue to work hard and if we create as many chances in Seville as we did (against Almeria), I'm sure that the goals will come."

That defeat ended a string of good results for 12th-placed La Real, with them twice coming back from two-goal deficits to first beat Real Madrid 4-2 and then draw with Celta Vigo 2-2 in previous weeks.

They fell short of repeating that feat for a third time against Almeria though and Sociedad coach Jagoba Arrasate wants his side to tighten up at the back to alleviate some of the pressure on his forwards.

"We played well in the first half, but we have to be smarter and better defensively," he told reporters on Tuesday.

"There are times we need to improve and try to have that continuity for 90 minutes."

Arrasate indicated that there may be a couple of changes as his side prepare to play a second match in four days, with Ruben Pardo ruled out due to illness.

Sevilla boss Unai Emery, who began his playing career at Sociedad, said he has no such concerns as Los Rojiblancos aim to stretch their unbeaten start in the league to five matches.

Sevilla are third in the table and only two points behind leaders Barcelona, but Emery is determined to rule out complacency.

"Every moment is different, how we have to confront ourselves and how we face an opponent, their characteristics and the time," he said. "We are aware of the difficulty of each game so that we will carry on looking to improve, and if anything adding more dedication."

Emery's high standards were particularly evident when talking about Colombian striker Carlos Bacca, who scored a brace in Sunday's 3-1 win over Cordoba to take his tally to four goals in four games.

He added: "We seek to raise the performance of the team and each player. Bacca also has room for improvement. We want every player in every practice and every game to improve."