Luis Castro says Real Sociedad’s forwards are Champions League level

On the eve of Levante’s trip to Anoeta on Sunday, Luis Castro described Real Sociedad’s forwards as Champions League level. In his pre-match comments, the Levante coach also stressed his opponents’ individual quality and the threat they can pose in a range of situations.

“They are a team of great quality and, individually, one of the best in LaLiga in my view, with players at Champions League level,” Castro said. To compete, he believes his side will need to be precise and stay focused. “You have to be very accurate and concentrated. We will try to be the Levante we always are. But if you make a mistake, they kill you,” he warned.

The coach added that several Real players were among the ones he liked most in the league, setting aside the three teams that spend more. His warning centred on Real’s ability to hurt opponents whatever the situation, rather than through only one type of move. Castro’s praise, then, was directed both at the players’ individual level and at the variety of threats his team will have to watch for.

Castro also discussed his team’s progress after a win, without specifying which match he meant. He said his players had been highly focused and had improved in the opposition’s box, creating more situations and showing greater aggression. “When you win, you always want to keep it going,” he said. The coach nevertheless urged restraint: his side are pleased, but not euphoric, because the season is long and a difficult stretch lies ahead. In his view, further improvement will be needed to keep winning.

On squad availability, Castro confirmed that centre-back Dela would be out with an overload. Hugo Sotelo, who has recovered from a knee injury, could play “a few minutes”. Having played on Wednesday, the rest of the squad are ready for the match in San Sebastián. Castro set no timeframe for Enzo Bardeli’s return; the midfielder is dealing with a muscle injury.