David Moyes believes it is too early for Real Sociedad to target European qualification this season and says he is still looking to strengthen his squad before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.
Moyes took over at Real Sociedad in November 2014 after the Basque club made a shocking start to their 2014-15 La Liga campaign. The Scottish manager led them to a creditable 12th place finish in his first managerial role after his sacking by Manchester United in April 2014.
The former Everton and Manchester United manager is clearly anxious to take the San Sebastián club to the next level but their only real signing of note since the end of last term has been the Brazilian forward Jonathas from relegated Elche.
“I don’t think that right now we have to have Europe as a goal,” Moyes told a news conference before his side’s La Liga opener at Deportivo La Coruña on Saturday.
“Considering what we did last season, looking to Europe is a very big step. I hope we can do it but I don’t think we have to have that expectation from the start.”
Moyes said he was satisfied with the new players who have arrived but added that coaches always wanted more. He gave little away when asked about reports suggesting that the club may strike a deal to take their former midfielder Asier Illarramendi on loan from Real Madrid.
Illarramendi, 25, moved to the Bernabéu two years ago but has been unable to hold down a regular place in their starting line-up. “If a midfielder we believe can help us was available I am sure the president would be interested,” Moyes said.
“ I am happy with the midfielders we have and there is competition for all the positions, which means the players have to perform very well to win a place in the team.”
Moyes also said that he expects Pedro to be a success in the Premier League after the Spain forward completed his move to Chelsea this week. “I think it can take time for these players to settle, and they must be given the opportunity to do that,” he said. “I think Pedro coming into the Premier League will add to the quality that the league has got. It has a lot of great players, and Pedro is certainly one.”
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