President Apperibay Speaks To Press

"Our challenge is the survival of the Real Sociedad". The sharp and straight to the point words from the Real Sociedad President today as he spoke to the press with Councilor Jesus Ruiz and the lawyer Jose Luis Martinez, an expert in bankruptcy proceedings. He began by stating three key messages he considers to be most important - economic survival, social cohesion and maximum support to staff and the technical team. He said the current economic situation with the club is "very critical". Looking on the brighter side of things he said it was one of the last opportunity's for unity and went on to praise the "tremendous efforts" made by the players in recent months, but asked them to fight for one more goal to advance to the First Division.

"Our challenge is the survival of the Real Sociedad, its economic and social regeneration," Aperribay said. He also announced a loss of 10 million for the year 2008-09 so "an urgent emergency plan" has been put into place. The club faces a massive challenge as it must pass a budget that will turn these losses into profits in order to keep with the agreement of creditors and avoid liquidation.

The press conference ended with questions from journalists and one of the key points to come out of it was Apperibay announcing no players will be sold in January and he will be looking to renew contracts for Castillo, Markel, De Cerio and Zubikarai.

Today final preparations were taking place for tomorrows friendly against SD Eibar. It will take place in the town of San Miguel and is designed to keep up the momentum and match sharpness ahead of the weekend game against Cordoba. Coach Lillo intends to play a different eleven players for each half and as such has called up 22 players -

Goalkeepers: Zubikarai, Iturrioz.

Defenders: Carlos Martinez, Gerardo, Labaka, Mikel González, Cadamuro, Ansotegi, Castillo, Dramé.

Midfielders: Estrada, Xabi Prieto, Rivas, Aranburu, Ros, Illarramendi, Mark, Zurutuza, Moha, Sergio.

Forwards: Necati, Agirretxe.