New Real Sociedad coach David Moyes has criticised the late kick-off time for Wednesday's Copa del Rey last-32 second leg against Real Oviedo, saying 10 p.m. is a "terrible time to play football."
La Liga and Copa games are regularly played at that time, with TV-mandated kick-offs spread over Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights this week.
However, former Manchester United and Everton manager Moyes, who arrived at La Real last month, believes Spanish clubs should stand up to such interests and ensure games are played at times which attract more young fans into stadiums.
"I think it is a terrible time to play football," Moyes said. "Football must never lose its roots -- we cannot give up everything to television, to money. We must bring young boys and girls to see football because they are the future of the game. If I had young children, I would not bring them to a game at 10 at night. I think the clubs should do something about this. I am new in La Liga. I do not want to be judgmental, this is only my opinion, [but] it is too late to play games."
Moyes picked a much-changed side for the first leg against Oviedo, who are currently top of their section of Spain's Segunda B third-tier, and a tight game finished goalless. The Scot said that for the return game, he would pick an XI he thought was capable of sealing progression to the last 16, although the team's precarious position in La Liga will also be a factor in his decisions.
"I would like to win the cup -- I am focusing on winning the game and playing well -- but the important stuff is to make sure we do not jeopardise our position in La Liga," Moyes said. "That is the first priority.
"We have three games in six days, so we have to make sure we use the squad the best we can. This club has always given young players opportunities and we will continue to do so. We will prepare the team the same as for any other game, to go out and win it."
La Real have lost just one of Moyes' first five games in charge, but the team has scored just four goals in those outings, with Mexico international Carlos Vela getting all four.
There had been signs of improvement in Saturday's Basque derby 1-1 draw at home to Athletic Bilbao, but Moyes maintained that these things take time.
"I thought the first-half performance against Athletic was an improvement -- we played with a better speed, passed the ball well, created the best chances we have created," he said. "There have been small improvements, not big, but I know this will take time and lots of work on the training ground.
"It is normal for a new coach to need time to assess the squad and understand the players. Sunday's game was a step in the right direction, but we cannot rely on Vela to be the goal-scorer all the time -- everybody has to take responsibility."
Meanwhile, Txuri-urdin president Jokin Aperribay says Moyes has not yet asked for any specific signings in the January transfer window.
"There have been no direct requests," Aperribay said. "There is no decision taken about whether we will bring in someone, or in which position. The club has not made moves to sign anyone, nor do we rule out the possibility. You could say that Moyes has not yet written to Olentzero [made his Christmas list]."