Villarreal - Real Sociedad preview - We need to excite: Moyes

Posted Saturday, December 06, 2014 by PA

David Moyes has defended the start to his reign as Real Sociedad boss, but admitted his side had to play more attractive football.

The former Manchester United and Everton boss has presided over two goalless draws and a 3-0 win since succeeding Jagoba Arrasate, but faces his sternest test on Sunday when he takes his side to Villarreal.

The Basques were criticised for failing to beat Segunda Division B side Real Oviedo in a Copa del Rey tie in mid-week, but Moyes underlined the importance of the fact his team have not conceded since he took over.

"It's very important to not concede goals because that way you cannot lose," he told a press conference, broadcast on the club's official website.

"But we also need to go beyond that, play exciting football and score goals."

Unlike many of the grounds in Spain Moyes will visit for the first time with La Real, the Scot has already been to El Madrigal, where Villarreal put paid to his Everton side's hopes of qualifying for the Champions League group stages in 2005.

He added: "A lot of years have passed since I played against Villarreal, but they are still a team that are in European competition regularly and they still have good players. I have seen them this season, they are a stable club that are growing and evolving with small steps."

Villarreal also faced a team from Spain's third tier in the Copa del Rey last week, but came off better than their opponents, winning 2-1 at Cadiz.

Moyes will have to deal with a depleted squad for the trip to Spain's east coast, with striker Imanol Agirretxe and defenders Gorka Elustondo and Joseba Zaldua all picking up injuries in the last week, while centre-backs Mikel Gonzalez and Inigo Martinez remain doubtful.

On the plus side for Moyes, Carlos Vela appears to have finally returned to his best form, netting a hat-trick against Elche last week. However, the coach was keen to emphasise that he does not want his side to be a one-man team.

"Vela is a key player but we also need Alfred Finbogasson, (Sergio) Canales and (Esteban) Granero to perform. We need them all to score goals, not just Vela," he said.

Villarreal coach Marcelino has no fresh injury concerns for the game.