With nothing much left to the play for, the build up to the final game of the season can often be a bit stale - a period of self-reflection on the campaign, perhaps irrespective of the final result. As David Moyes' Real Sociedad make the trip to the Campo de Fútbol de Vallecas to play Rayo Vallecano on La Liga's closing weekend, this has been the case.
A new deal
For Rayo manager Paco Jémez, the focus is now squarely on the future after committing himself to the club for another year - at least - this week, despite attracting interest overseas, notably from the likes of Newcastle United and Brentford. This is good news for all at the club; the highly-rated Spaniard has received plaudits this season for his brand of attacking, free-flowing football.
Rayo can no longer qualify for the Europa League, but after a strong season a win over Moyes' Sociedad could see them finish as high as eighth in La Liga. With Paco at the helm and the future looking bright, Rayo will be looking to turn on the style as they attempt to give the home fans something to cheer about as the season comes to a close.
"We managed to turn the situation around"
- David Moyes
Moyes remaining positive
Paco's opposite number, David Moyes, has received criticism from his own players this week after many of them expressed concern with how the Scotsman's first season in charge of Sociedad has gone. Alberto de La Bella and Inigo Martinez had their say in the media this week, but Moyes was keen to highlight the positives. "I'm very satisfied because when I arrived La Real were in the relegation zone and it was a very difficult situation, and without signing any players, we managed to turn the situation around,'' Moyes told a press conference.
Even with three points against Rayo this weekend, Moyes knows his side cannot finish higher than 12th in La Liga - after losing 3-0 to Granada in their final home game of the season last weekend - and admits that perhaps the expectations were above the capabilities of his side. "Thirty-one matches is not a very long time for a coach but people are free to debate what we've done, and it's possible that the expectations were above the squad we had," he said.
Despite having nothing to play for, the former Everton manager went on to insist that his side would be professional to the last, and that his players will be looking to do a job on their opponents. "In football you are always playing for something, every game is important and I was brought up to think that everything has a significance, so tomorrow, if you're a professional footballer, you have to go out looking to win, without any doubts," Moyes said.