Funes believes Real Sociedad have found their rhythm

“Real Sociedad started uncertainly, but they have found their cruising speed,” says Málaga coach Juan Francisco Funes. He was discussing Sunday’s opponent in the ninth round of LaLiga EA Sports, which, in his view, began the competition against difficult early rivals.

Funes believes the team is now showing the qualities that took it into Europe last season. He does not think Thursday’s Europa League match will necessarily affect their preparations. “We’ll see when they show their lineup,” he said at a press conference. He also noted that six or seven Real Sociedad players should not arrive carrying significant fatigue, adding that this would not be a disadvantage for them if that proved to be the case.

The Málaga coach also praised Pellegrino Matarazzo’s work. In his view, Real Sociedad have a wide range of options, are highly capable in organised attacking play and can control the game both through the middle and out wide. “When you face Real, it is difficult to find their weaknesses,” he said.

Funes also stressed the team’s collective control: “They draw you into sequences of possession where they punish you. Yesterday, from the half-hour mark, they were very dominant, even away from home. We will take that into account.”