Real Sociedad captain Mikel Oyarzabal called the Champions League opener against Inter ‘a turning point’ for the club, feeling it’s an ‘important moment’.
The Spanish side are making their return to Europe’s premier club competition after a decade-long wait and will face the Nerazzurri, Benfica and RB Salzburg in Group D, giving them a strong shot of making the knock-out stages.
Inter have looked almost perfect in the early stages of the new season, carrying forward their momentum after last term’s second-place finish in the Champions League, and they’re desperate to get off to a strong start this campaign.
Speaking in a press conference via TMW, Oyarzabal first discussed the meaning of Real Sociedad’s clash with Inter.
“It’s a turning point. We’ve done things well at the club for years but being able to compete in the Champions League at your home, with your people and for your club, it’s an important moment.
“I’ve been lucky enough to experience matches that have left a mark on me, but tomorrow’s match occupies a very high place among the experiences I’ve had so far.”
He remembered where he was for the club’s last game in the Champions League.
“In the group stage I was lucky enough to experience the preliminary round as a ball boy when I was already at the club, and I experienced it in a very different way, with different types of nerves, but I have good memories of it.”
The 26-year-old commented on the team’s goals in the competition this season.
“Have fun and compete. If they gave us the choice, everyone would say they want to win, but how we get there is also important.
“We have to stay calm, look Inter in the eyes with the mentality of wanting to win and compete. If we can win, so much the better.”
Oyarzabal spoke about his expectations for the match against Inter.
“I’m calm. Everyone would like to compete to the best of their ability, but I’m calm and I’m giving everything I have.
“Things will get better or worse, but they will come in the end. The important thing is the team, and we are going through a good moment despite the final result.”
He sent a message to the Real Sociedad fans.
“They are very important for us, and we will give everything we have inside to win and give them joy.
“Evenings like tomorrow’s are crucial to have our fans, we have always had them, and this time will not be an exception. Together we are stronger.”
Finally, Oyarzabal discussed how he’d like Real Sociedad to play against Inter.
“Even though we didn’t have the opportunity to play in the Champions League, we have players with experience in this competition who can be useful to us.
“It’s important to have some enthusiasm and competitiveness, but also calmness on the pitch to understand what you can control and what not, and do what’s best for the team.”