Imanol to step down as Real Sociedad coach

Imanol Alguacil announced on Thursday that he will step down as Real Sociedad coach at the end of the season after six and a half years.

The club announced the coach's decision on its official website in the wake of Wednesday night's 1-0 defeat away to Alaves in a Basque derby.

Under Imanol's tutelage, Real Sociedad qualified for Europe five times and won the 2020 Copa del Rey.

"Imanol Alguacil has informed Real Sociedad of his decision not to continue managing the team next season. The Orio-born manager, after six and a half seasons at the helm of Real Sociedad, will step down once the current season ends."

"But before that moment arrives, there's much to strive for. A sixth European berth and putting an end to this wonderful story deserve a final effort from everyone," reads the statement.

Having played for Real Sociedad as a right-back, Imanol became the club's B-team coach before a brief spell as caretaker head coach towards the end of the 2017-18 season.

He then took over on a permanent basis in December 2018 after Asier Garitano was sacked, leading the San Sebastian side through one of the most successful periods in its history.

This season has been difficult for the club, and Wednesday's defeat leaves Real Sociedad ninth in La Liga with 42 points from 33 games, two points behind Celta Vigo, who is currently in a position to qualify for next season's UEFA Conference League.