La Liga manager has just three games to save job

Real Sociedad began the new season with optimism following a melancholy end to the Imanol Alguacil era last season. However the Txuri-Urdin are yet to get going this season under Sergio Francisco, and the former Sanse manager is under increasing pressure to save his job.

As things stand, La Real lie second-bottom of the table, and are only ahead of RCD Mallorca on goal difference. The Basque side have just a singular win over Los Bermellones to their name, and defeat this past weekend against Rayo Vallecano at home ramped up the levels of discontent at the Reale Arena.

Next three games could decide Sergio Francisco’s future

While La Real have not been beaten heavily in any of their games, it is now five defeats in their last six matches. Marca say that the next three games will be decisive for Francisco, who is trying to outrun the ignominy of being the first manager to lose his job this season.

The Txuri-Urdin travel to Balaidos next to face a Celta Vigo side similarly in need of points, before hosting Sevilla. The third game of their decisive run is the Basque derby against Athletic Club, which is also at Anoeta.

Image via Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images

Precedents suggest Jokin Aperribay’s patience is running thin

They also note that previous precedents with President Jokin Aperribay suggest that unless results improve immediately, then he will look for alternatives. Jagoba Arrasate was dismissed after 10 games in 2014-15, after six points from 30, and David Moyes was sacked after 11 games, having managed nine points in those games. The difference was that both had been in charge for some of the previous season too.

Struggles at both ends of the pitch

La Real have conceded 12 goals in their eight games so far, making them the sixth-worst defence in the division. Meanwhile they have scored just seven goals, the joint-third worst attack in La Liga, a combination that exemplifies their inability to rely on either box for a strong performance. One caveat perhaps is that four of Real Sociedad’s last five games have come against European sides.