Real Sociedad to Axe Sergio Today as La Real Crisis Deepens
After just 16 matches and 16 points, Sergio Francisco's brief reign at Real Sociedad is set to end with Jon Ansotegi stepping in as caretaker manager.
Real Sociedad’s board, led by president Jokin Aperribay, has finally pulled the trigger on Sergio Francisco’s brief managerial stint following another dismal showing against Girona.
The Writing Was on the Wall
Let’s be honest, this has been on the cards for weeks. After yesterday’s defeat to Girona - their third consecutive La Liga loss - the Anoeta faithful made their feelings crystal clear with a chorus of whistles that could’ve been heard all the way in Bilbao.
The numbers tell a proper horror story:
- Just 16 points from 16 matches
- Hovering dangerously close to the relegation zone
- A fanbase rapidly losing patience
It’s a shocking fall from grace for a club that had become fixtures in European competition under previous gaffer Imanol Alguacil. Replacing Imanol was always going to be a right Bobby Moore (chore), but blimey, I don’t think anyone expected it to go this pear-shaped this quickly.
Ansotegi: The Temporary Solution
Jon Ansotegi, who’s been doing bits with the B team, will take temporary charge while the club searches for a permanent replacement. The timing of the announcement was reportedly delayed because Ansotegi was busy guiding the reserve side to an impressive 3-0 away victory at Deportivo La Coruña last night.
The Bigger Picture
Sergio’s appointment was always a gamble by Aperribay and new sporting director Erik Bretos. While he’d earned his stripes with promotions for Real Sociedad C and B (where he replaced Xabi Alonso), the step up to elite football has proven a bridge too far.
But let’s not pin this all on the gaffer. The club’s recruitment has been shocking in recent windows, leaving Sergio with a squad that’s simply not up to scratch. The board’s decision to promote from within rather than bringing in an experienced head now looks like a proper schoolboy error.
The contrast with Imanol’s tenure - five consecutive European qualifications and a Copa del Rey trophy after a 34-year wait - couldn’t be starker. Finding someone to fill those boots was never going to be straightforward, but this appointment has gone south faster than a migratory bird in winter.
With no obvious long-term replacement lined up in the academy ranks, La Real will need to look externally for their next appointment. One thing’s certain - whoever takes the reins has a mountain to climb to restore this proud Basque club to its former glory.