Sofia bergara.com | | Team Discussion #2: Real Sociedad

Discussing some of the biggest, and smallest teams across the world, from Bayern Munich to Auckland City.
Team: Real Sociedad de Fútbol, S.A.D.
League: La Liga
Current squad:
Goalkeepers:

Claudio Bravo
Eñaut Zubikarai

Defenders:

Carlos Martinez
Mikel González
Iñigo Martínez
Ion Ansotegi
Liassine Cadamuro
José Ángel (on loan from Roma)
Dani Estrada
Alberto de la Bella

Midfielders:

Gorka Elustondo
Markel Bergara
Antoine Griezmann
Asier Illarramendi
Xabi Prieto (captain)
Rubén Pardo
Chori Castro
David Zurutuza
Javi Ros

Forwards:

Imanol Agirretxe
Carlos Vela
Diego Ifrán

Manager: Jagoba Arrasate
Previous Seasons
2012-13
4th, 66 Points (W: 18/D: 12/L: 8) (La Liga)
2011-12
12th, 47 Points (W: 12/D: 11/L: 15) (La Liga)
2010-11
15th, 45 Points (W: 14/D: 3/L: 21) (La Liga)
History
Real Sociedad started out as San Sebastian Recreation Club in 1904, by students and workers returning from Britain. They entered the Copa del Rey in 1909, but due to complications over registration permits, they competed as Club Ciclista de San Sebastian. This team beat Club Español de Madrid 3–1. Out of the confusion the Sociedad de Futbol was formed on 7 September 1909. They became known as Real Sociedad de Fútbol in 1910 as King Alfonso XIII gave the club his patronage. They were foundation members of La Liga in 1928.
Their most successful period came in the 80s. After years of relegation and promotion, the team finished runners up for the first time in the 1979-80 season, missing out to Real Madrid by a single point. They then won the league the next season, denying Real Madrid a fourth-consecutive league title on goal difference after both clubs finished on 45 points. They clubs first season in the European Cup was an unhappy hunting ground, as they were knocked out in the first round to Bulgaria’s CSKA Sofia. They defended their league title, (this was to be their last), and made the semi-finals of the European Cup the following year, losing to eventual champions Hamburger SV.
In 1987, Sociedad won their only Copa del Rey title, beating Atlético Madrid 4-2 on penalties after drawing 2-2. The clubs highest success since then has been 2nd in the 2002-03 season.
Recent Season Highlights
Real Sociedad 3-2 Barcelona
Valencia 2-5 Real Sociedad
Real Sociedad 3-3 Real Madrid
Questions

Real Sociedad punched above their weight last season, finishing behind only Barcelona, and the Madrid teams. What made Sociedad such a force this year?
Recently Sociedad lost their manager to French Club Rennes. Is this a good move for Philippe Montanier?
In 2003 Sociedad shocked the football world by finishing second in La Liga. Are they capable of pulling an upset within the next decade and go one further?
How do you think Real Sociedad will do in next years Champions League?
What areas do Real Sociedad need to improve next season?

I'll try do one of these as often as I can, apologies if they're not very good. Credit to transfermarkt for the squads (may have missed one or two players typing it out though). If you missed the last one, here is Team Discussion #1: AS Monaco.