Real Sociedad vs Elche preview - Griezmann eases exit fears
Posted Monday, January 27, 2014 by PA
Coveted winger Antoine Griezmann has reassured Real Sociedad fans ahead of Monday's match against Elche that he wants to remain in San Sebastian.
The French player has been strongly linked with a move away from the Basque side in the winter transfer market with Chelsea and Paris St Germain among the clubs who are reportedly keen to acquire his services.
The 22-year-old Griezmann has enjoyed an impressive campaign so far, scoring 12 league goals to help his side climb to sixth in the Primera Division table.
"I would like to end the season here," Griezmann said as reported in marca.com. "It wouldn't be a good idea to leave now.
"I'm happy at Real Sociedad.
"I don't think about what could happen this summer.
"I am focused on continuing to do the best I can, to improve my numbers and to help the team return to Europe."
La Real head into the encounter at the Anoeta on the back of Wednesday's 3-1 triumph over Racing Santander in the first leg of their Copa del Rey quarter-final.
The victory allowed Jagoba Arrasate's men to bounce back from last Sunday's 2-2 draw at Getafe which followed the debacle of a 5-1 La Liga defeat at Villarreal.
La Real will fancy their chances of taking maximum points against Elche having won their last five league games at home and losing just once in San Sebastian this season.
Elche followed their 1-1 draw against Sevilla with a 2-0 home triumph over Real Betis last time out to climb to 16th place, where they are two points clear of safety.
Fran Escriba's men know they face a battle on Monday but have not ruled out their chances of winning.
"We are going to face a very difficult rival," said Elche defender Damian Suarez.
"We have to play with the same intensity we have displayed in recent games.
"We have to give our all because La Real are a very dangerous side, especially when they play at home.
"Last weekend's triumph against Rayo allows us to go to San Sebastian full of confidence.
"Our aim this season is to avoid the drop and these three points will be important if we are to succeed in defending our league status."
Suarez has shaken off an ankle injury and is expected to play on on Monday.
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