Moyes’ new venture

David Moyes is back and this time he is in Spain. It’s been big news in the past week since he was appointed but how much do people really know about the task he has inherited. He said himself that taking the Real Sociedad job is the biggest challenge of his career, that’s a big statement considering he was the man who took over the reigns when Alex Ferguson left United.

For the many people that thought seen as Real Sociedad were in the Champions League last year (they even came up against Moyes’ United) that they would be a strong side in La Liga, you were misinformed.

Sociedad currently sit in 15^th place with a total of 9 points from 11 games, not European chasing stats by any means, a big drop from last season in which they couldn’t regain their Champions League spot but finished 7th and qualified for this seasons Europa League.

In terms of the team he is inheriting its not all bad, despite their poor league position, in their last league game they managed to defeat Atletico Madrid by two goals to one while manager-less.

Key players include Carlos Vela, who most will remember from his time at Arsenal and his exerts for Mexico, centre back Inigo Martinez, midfielders, Xabi Prieto and Estaban Granero, formally of QPR and Real Madrid. Gonzalo Castro, Sergio Canales and Imanol Agirretxe also add quality to the struggling side.

As you can see from this list Sociedad are not lacking in quality and David Moyes’ main challenge will be to get the players playing as a team and he will hope the performances and victories will begin to roll in.

There is no doubt the departure of main man Antoine Griezmann to Atletico Madrid during the summer had a big effect on the side as the talismanic young Frenchman had chipped in with a total of 16 league goals last season on par with teammate Carlos Vela who has not hit the heights of last season without Griezmann.

Moyes begins his management against Deportivo this weekend and will be hoping to get off to a good start. Although Real Sociedad are currently 15^th they are 15 points behind 4^th placed Atletico Madrid after eleven games so there is still plenty of time to turn things around.

Many would see this job as similar to Moyes’ job at Everton. Sociedad are no table toppers but will expect European football on a regular basis and unlike at United, Moyes will be dealing with a lesser calibre of player which may suit him more. All eyes will be on Moyes for the first few months and he will be hoping this time around he lasts longer than a season at a new job.

photo credit: envisionpublicidad via photopin cc

photo credit: brizzle born and bred via photopin cc