Real Sociedad's Jon Ansotegi says a solid defensive performance in this weekend's goalless La Liga draw at Deportivo la Coruna is evidence that David Moyes is already having a positive influence on his new club.
Moyes' debut as La Real coach was a lacklustre affair played out in grim weather conditions late on Saturday night, but his team did emerge with a point after keeping what was a first clean sheet of the season.
Long-serving backup Ansotegi -- who captained the team at Riazor after coming into the middle of the back four with regular centre-backs Mikel Gonzalez and Inigo Martinez both injured -- said in AS that the former Manchester United and Everton manager had already begun to change the way the team deals with crosses into the penalty box.
"It's true it is still too early to see all the changes, but it is also true that you can see some changes in the way we defend, above all crosses into the area," he said. "We are aiming to improve as a group, and between us all we will do that."
Moyes' new side were impressive during the first half against Deportivo with Carlos Vela and Sergio Canales coming close to scoring, but faded after the break and could have conceded late on.
Ansotegi said that he was confident his 16th-placed La Real side could build on that showing and hopefully get three points in Friday's home clash with fellow strugglers Elche.
"I believe we are on the path to finding a balance, that solidity at the back and in front to play as we did in the first half at Riazor," he added. "During the week we will have to see what we did well, and badly, to take notes. The aim is to be like how we were in the first half. Then for sure we will start moving up the table."