Gorka Álvarez admits his team knows little about its opponent

“The level of knowledge we have of the opponent is not great,” Gorka Álvarez said. The Real Sociedad women’s coach is preparing for a trip to Valencia this weekend for a crucial Liga F fixture. His team is still without a league win and will be looking to carry its positive European momentum forward.

Real Sociedad have just booked their place in the Europa Cup round of 16 with a convincing victory over Hearts, their first official win of the season. Álvarez acknowledged that his side’s knowledge of the opponent remained limited: “We know players who have played in Liga F. We have to get to work on that when the time comes. It is a very exciting tie.”

The coach also spoke about the second leg, which will be played away from Zubieta, and the atmosphere they expect: “It is a club with a big name and passionate supporters, although I don’t know if that stereotype also applies to the women’s team. It will be a tough opponent to beat, with the second match away from home.” He nevertheless brought the focus back to the league’s immediate demands.

“The need for both teams can have an effect. It is a team with very clear ideas. We all need to pick up points, in every match. Good feelings are not enough. We have to win matches; that is what matters,” Álvarez stressed. The trip to Valencia therefore gives his side a chance to turn its European momentum into a league result.