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The shock of Denoueix

Galatasaray SK stand between Raynald Denoueix's Real Sociedad de Fútbol and the last 16.

By Andy Hall & Luis Arconada Lamsfus

Real Sociedad de Fútbol's Group D match against Galatasaray SK is a crucial one for the Basque side who are going through some troubled times. The Donostiarras need a draw to advance to the UEFA Champions League knockout stage, yet their domestic form remains a cause of concern for coach Raynald Denoueix.

Lethal partnership
La Real were second in Spain last season, with an enviable strike-rate of 71 goals in 38 games - a figure only bettered by champions Real Madrid CF. And between them, the partnership of Nihat Kahveci and Darko Kovacevic contributed 43 of those goals.

Hard work
This term, however, both strikers have found goals harder to come by, and the team have managed only 15 - half their league total at this stage in 2002/03. Moreover, recent defeats by RCD Mallorca and Real Betis Balompié have left the San Sebastian outfit in the relegation zone.

Lean period
For the coach, there is no doubt that the club are enduring a lean period. "At the present time, we have to work hard in order to reach last season's level of performance," Denoueix told uefa.com. "Last season is over and we have to concentrate only on this one."

Busy schedule
It may be that the task of campaigning on two fronts has taken its toll on Real. Last season they were able to profit while their Spanish rivals struggled with the rigours of European football. This time around, it is their small squad who are showing the strain. "The difficulty is in the schedule," said Denoueix.

Positive response
However, the Frenchman is happy with the way his players have performed in Europe, especially as most had never before featured in such a major competition. "It's true that they have less experience than other players from other teams, but you learn," he said. "It is interesting to find out your level and it is a way of gaining experience."

Previous experience
Denoueix himself has Champions League experience as coach of FC Nantes Atlantique in 2001/02. However, he could not draw many parallels between his past and present sides. "We are a different team to Nantes, so we have to find our own solutions," he said. "That is what we have to do - adapt our team to different situations."

Early success
Initially, Real adapted well, winning their first two Group D games at home against Olympiacos CFP and away at Galatasaray. But a defeat against Juventus FC followed by two draws has left them with a tense final match at the Anoeta stadium - one they cannot afford to lose.

Kovacevic ruled out
That task will be made harder by the absence of Kovacevic, who is suspended after being sent off in the 2-2 Matchday 5 draw against Olympiacos in Athens. "He is a key member of the team, but we have to play without him and qualify without him," said Denoueix.

Happy new year
Obviously the coach wants to deliver a knockout blow to Galatasaray's chances of progress in the competition. He also hopes that a less congested fixture list in the new year will signal a revival in Real's Primera División fortunes.

Worthwhile struggle
Yet, for the moment, Denoueix has no doubt that the struggle to compete in the Champions League has been worthwhile. "It is a confrontation at the highest level," he said, "a competition for the most important teams. I think it is the most important competition in the football world."

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