Real Sociedad vs Sporting Gijon preview - No let-up, warns Preciado

Posted Sunday, April 17, 2011 by PA

Sporting Gijon coach Manuel Preciado is demanding no let-up from his side as they look to continue their impressive recent form against struggling Real Sociedad.

Sporting have climbed up to 11th spot after picking up 13 points from their last five games and that has left them eight points clear of the relegation zone with only seven rounds remaining.

Primera Division survival is now within Sporting's sights, but Preciado has warned his side things can change very quickly if they are not careful.

"The team is in a good spell of form and frame of mind, but in football what's white today is black tomorrow without really knowing why, so any sort of relaxation is prohibited," said Preciado, who was under intense pressure at the start of 2011 after leading Sporting to just two wins in 27 league games stretching back to last season.

"We are going to go for the three points at Anoeta because it's a great opportunity to almost achieve safety, although lots of things can still happen on the pitch."

While Sporting have given their hopes of staying up a massive boost over the last few weeks, Sociedad have gone in the opposite direction.

Not so long ago considered possible European contenders, Sociedad are now just five points above the bottom three after picking up one point from their last seven games.

Sociedad captain Mikel Aranburu is remaining positive despite that dismal form, saying: "If we beat Sporting, survival will be virtually within reach."

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