San José praises Real Sociedad on emotional return: "It's my home, it formed me as player and coach"

former Rayo Vallecano manager San José praised Real Sociedad after his emotional return to the club where he was formed as a player and coach, despite the 1-0 defeat.

Beñat San José faced Real Sociedad for the first time as an opposing manager at Anoeta, a deeply emotional occasion for the Rayo Vallecano boss who spent formative years at the Basque club as both player and coach. Despite the loss, San José felt his team deserved at least a draw, praising their performance and attacking play.

"We're very upset because what we saw on the pitch didn't deserve a defeat," he said. "We had clear chances, the Real keeper made extraordinary saves, and we hit the post. We didn't deserve to lose."

San José paid tribute to Real Sociedad's work over many years, highlighting their academy philosophy and the quality of their squad. "Real is my home. It formed me as a player and as a coach," he explained. "There are wonderful people at the club doing extraordinary work.

I'm grateful for everything they taught me." He also praised both sets of supporters for their sporting conduct, though he lamented the barrier separating visiting fans from the pitch.