Beñat Turrientes, Real Sociedad midfielder, was optimistic and reflective after his goal in the last phase of the Copa del Rey against Levante. The player, who is not the undisputed starter this season, highlighted the importance of rotations and recalled the memorable moment in which he scored in SanMamés during the semifinal of the competition.
The Gipuzkoan media spoke about the good dynamics of the team before the next Basque derby. "When we are in good shape and the team plays well, the games look different. It will be complicated, it is a derby in SanMamés, but we are going for the three points," he stated firmly. He also remembered the goal that gave him victory in the first leg of the Cup semifinal, calling it “a very special moment” that left an indelible mark on him, his family and friends. “It's very nice and we hope he can do it again,” he added.
Regarding the preparation for the match with Athletic Club, Turrientes explained that the objective is to repeat last year's performance in SanMamés, where Real Sociedad kept a clean sheet. “We want to repeat it,” he said. He also stressed that the game will be played at 9:00 p.m., which will make it difficult for his friends who work the next day to attend. "My friends won't be able to come since it's Sunday at 9:00 p.m. They have to work the next day," he commented with humor.
The midfielder also spoke about his own development. After having scored his first goal in the league against Levante, he said that the feeling of scoring gives him confidence to continue contributing. "I'm a box-to-box player. I have a good shot and I like to get to the area. Now that I've scored one, the others will come," he explained. In addition, he valued the fierce internal competition in the San Sebastian midfield and the management of the locker room, pointing out that rotation is key to maintaining quality and performance in the numerous games of the season, including those in the UEFA Europa League.
Finally, Turrientes recalled that Real Sociedad is fifth in the LaLiga table, with the teams at the top within reach. "Getting three points always adds up in the table. We are fifth and we have those at the top close by. We have to go step by step, but we want to improve," he concluded. With his sights set on the Basque derby, the player hopes to continue contributing to the team's success and, if possible, repeat that historic goal he scored in SanMamés.