There is no debate that David Moyes has a tarnished reputation in the UK after his calamitous tenure at Manchester United came to an abrupt end 10 months into a 6 year contract. On Sunday the Scot was offered a route back into football management by Spanish side Real Sociedad following the sacking of Jagabo Arrastate. With the Basque based side struggling in the league, this certainly won’t be an easy way back into the game for Moyes.
It was only last season that Sociedad were in the Champions League group stage, but a tough draw saw them finish bottom of the group, registering only a solitary point.
From here, La Real began to struggle. Asier Illaramendi, dubbed the next Xabi Alonso, was sold for big money. Key players Antoine Griezmann and Claudio Bravo left after impressive World Cups, ruining any hopes Sociedad have of regaining a place in Spain’s top 4.
The club have endured a terrible start to this campaign and are currently second bottom in La Liga, having not won a game since the stunning 4-2 victory over Real Madrid at the end of August.
Many fans believed that victory against Madrid would become a turning point following a difficult summer, but it was actually the opposite. Arrastate’s inexperience could not stop the Sociedad rot, and following Saturday’s home defeat against Malaga, something had to give.
The realistic aim for La Real this season would be to achieve a Europa League qualifying spot. They know they cannot compete with the likes of Valencia, Sevilla and Athletico Bilbao for that final Champions League place.
Moyes will be given time to implement his beliefs and there is no doubt that the former Everton manager has a talented core of players at his disposal.
Carlos Vela has proved he can be a consistent goal scorer in the league, and Inigo Martinez has flirted with the Spanish squad in recent seasons. Alfreð Finnbogason and Ruben Pardo look to be talented players, while in skipper Xabier Prieto and Imanol Agirretxe leading the line, there is a fine mix of youth and experience in the dressing room.
The San Sebastian based side are well-known for their attractive passing game, with a work-rate very similar to that of Everton under Moyes. Sociedad have a history of employing British managers, with John Toshack and more recently Chris Coleman enjoying spells at the Anoeta.
One thing is certain this time, Moyes would be given more than one season to prove his worth if he were to take the job.
