Manchester United was a whole new ball game for David Moyes. But now in sealing a move to become Real Sociedad's new manager, he has taken a significant step back into the limelight by choosing to try his hand in La Liga.
But what are the potential pros and cons for the ex-Everton boss?
Pros
- Moving outside the Premier League gives Moyes a shot at redemption with a little less scrutiny than would normally be afforded to a former Manchester United manager. Of course, there will be an increased level of interest in Sociedad now in this part of the world but the comparative distance alleviates a small amount of pressure. It is something which benefited former England manager Steve McClaren as he escaped vilification to lead Twente to the Dutch league title in 2010.
- Sociedad may not have bundles of cash to spend, but they are financially secure which makes them somewhat similar to Everton where Moyes brought so much stability.
- English, Irish, Welsh and Scottish managers and players are not alien to Sociedad. Famously, former Ireland and Liverpool striker John Aldridge played for the club from 1989 to 1991, while the club have had two Welsh managers in John Toshack (he had three spells at the club) and Chris Coleman (2007 to 2008).
- While they are currently languishing in 15th, the club has plenty of talent at its disposal in the likes of Carlos Vela, Inigo Martinez, Sergio Canales, captain Xabi Prieto and Ruben Pardo, as well as a highly productive youth academy. The aim is to take Sociedad into mid-table safety before planning for next season.
- Expectations in the time between now and the end of his contract in 2016 will be relatively modest. While the likes of Barca, Real Madrid and Atletico challenge for the title, the height of Sociedad's ambitions in the medium term will be to be in the mix for the European places along with the likes of Sevilla, Athletic Bilbao, Valencia and Villarreal. That is certainly achievable.
Cons
- The language and the challenges of settling into a new country has the potential to be an issue. Although, the club is based in the Basque region, Spanish will be the main language that Moyes will need to master. There is the option of working through a translator but that is not ideal.
- Adapting to the football culture and the way of playing is a challenge, although the perception of La Liga as this bastion of tiki taka is not accurate. Having said that, stylistic and philosophical differences exist between it and the Premier League.
- Moyes will also need to get used to the Director of Football model at the club when looking at signing players with Lorenzo Juarros installed in that role at Sociedad.
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