Jon Martín embraces open games after Real Sociedad beat Dépor

“Completely crazy matches? As long as we score more goals than we concede…” That was Jon Martín’s summary of his outlook after Real Sociedad beat Dépor. Speaking on Radio MARCA’s Marcador programme after the match, the defender celebrated a victory to which he contributed with his first goal of the season. He also said that he and his teammates are not unhappy with the open games they have been playing, since they are winning them for now.

Jon Martín said the result was worth three very important points for Real Sociedad. He described a match that initially seemed under control: his team, he said, had managed the game and moved 3-0 ahead, which he considered enough to see it out. But the goals they conceded afterwards, followed by a penalty and a dismissal, changed the course of the contest. His side suffered more after the red card, he acknowledged, but defended well and held on to the three points.

Jon Martín also discussed the goal itself. His main job is in defence, he explained, but he is pleased when he can contribute a goal as well. He likes set pieces, which he sees as a good opportunity to score, provided everyone stays alert. On the move that led to his goal, he praised Carlos’s cross and Barrenetxea’s marking before saying he finished the ball into the net.

The defender considered the decision to award a penalty and send a player off after a cleared corner harsh. He said Pablo had told him that both players were holding each other, and felt they were competing for the ball. Still, he stressed the team’s response: whatever the decision, they had to keep pushing forward, and he believes that is what they did.

The idea that these end-to-end matches can suit the group seems to have taken hold. Jon Martín described a team that is brave at both ends of the pitch, while acknowledging that there is room to improve in attack and defence. His condition was simple: score more than the opponent. Against Dépor, that approach brought a win and three points, despite a finish that became harder to control.