Real Sociedad coach Imanol Alguacil highlighted how his team ‘have to enjoy’ facing Inter but also ‘compete’ in their Champions League opener.
The Nerazzurri were only a step away from being European champions last season, suffering a heartbreaking 1-0 loss to Treble winners Manchester City in a balanced and tense clash in Istanbul.
Inter have carried that momentum into the new season and have kickstarted their Serie A campaign in the perfect fashion, thrashing rivals Milan 5-1 in the Derby della Madonnina. Simone Inzaghi’s side are now hoping to repeat their exploits on the European stage, although with a different ending.
Speaking in a press conference via TMW, Alguacil first discussed Real Sociedad’s mindset heading into their Champions League opener against Inter.
“We are ready. But we have to be ready at the right time, and the time is tomorrow. For me it’s not the result, it’s how you play, it’s always the how, regardless of the opponent.
“There’s no point in doing it one day in phases or moments, you need regularity and consistency to be a reliable, high-level team.”
He was asked about the dangers of the Nerazzurri and their work in Europe last season.
“I prefer not to talk about Inter, because if we talk about their strengths or their great players, some might think that it is better not to go on the pitch. But it’s exactly the opposite, we have to be ourselves.
“Last year they played in the final and they could’ve won it, and they’re dominating in Serie A, but we have to take the field with a lot of respect, humility and awareness that it is the Champions League in our home country, something special and different. We have to enjoy it, but to compete.”
He touched on his expectations for the atmosphere at the match.
“I hope that all the Italians who come tomorrow leave the stadium saying: ‘My God, these Basques are incredible’.”
The Real Sociedad coach was asked if there was a difference between the Champions League and other European club competitions.
“It’s different, it’s the Champions League and there are the best teams. Inter are candidates to win Serie A, and we should all be aware of the value of the opponent.”
Finally, Alguacil gave his thoughts on talismanic winger Mikel Oyarzabal.
“Mikel is special. Even if he doesn’t have the same numbers in front of goal as he had before the injury, he isn’t doing badly.
“In fact, if Mikel hadn’t done the defensive work he did at the Bernabeu, we wouldn’t have been able to contain Real Madrid like we did. If we only give value to the stats, we are wrong.”