Manuel Pellegrini: “The result wasn’t consistent with the game”
For the ‘Malaguista coach, the result wasn’t consistent with the game: “Real Sociedad weren’t really dangerous around the goal area a lot during the game, but they did take advantage of the opportunities they created. They worked well from set pieces, were successful in their goal opportunities and controlled the result, but it wasn’t consistent with the game. Real Sociedad didn’t reach the penalty area any more than we did, but they were more precise and netted more goals.”
Pellegrini also analyses the rotations, allowing some of the key players time off: “Some team members haven’t had more than 72 hours to relax, and we’ve got another important match on Tuesday.” The coach believes Real Sociedad’s advantage in the League table “isn’t excessive.”
Weligton: “There are still matches left to play and goals to score...we’re determined to qualify for European football next season”
For the Brazilian-born centre-forward: “It was a fairly balanced game, but they scored two important goals from set pieces. Real Sociedad are near the top of the League table because they’re a good, well-organised team.”
For Weligton, there’s still time to return to Champions positions: “There are still matches left to play and goals to score...we’re determined to qualify for European football next season.”
The team captain broke the news of Manuel Pellegrini’s father, Emilio’s death, stating it’s been a terrible weekend, coupled with the troublesome journey and this afternoon’s defeat: “We’re hoping to get a great result on Tuesday for the coach.”
Roque Santa Cruz: “It was an uphill struggle for us being 3-0 down”
“We started well, but they were decisive during set pieces, and it was an uphill struggle for us being 3-0 down so early on. However we played reasonably well,” states the Paraguayan-born striker.
Santa Cruz is disappointed with today’s defeat against a direct rival, but believes it wasn’t a crucial defeat: “We knew the importance of three points from this game, but there are still a lot of matches left before the end of the season to continue in our fight for Europe. We’re disappointed we couldn’t come home with a victory today, but we’ve still got time to turn things around. We’re now focusing on Tuesday’s match.”