David Moyes 'refuses to accept responsibility and blames mediocre squad' over Real Sociedad failure

David Moyes said goodbye to Real Sociedad's board in a "tense meeting" on 9 November, where the former Manchester United and Everton boss reportedly refused to accept responsibility for his failure in La Liga and blamed the club, the press and the players over his dismissal.

Club president Jokin Aperribay supported the Scotsman since he started his managerial role in San Sebastian, with it seen as a personal gamble, but after securing just nine points from the first 11 games of 2015-16 La Liga season, the Basque club sacked him, following on from the defeat to Las Palmas. Former Barcelona star Eusebio Sacristan has come in as Moyes's replacement.

But the ex-United manager hit back at the Real Sociedad board, pointing the finger at the quality of his squad and the targets set out for him, Mundo Deportivo report. The Spanish newspaper said: "An irritated Moyes makes reproaches to everyone in his last meeting with Real Sociedad board. The manager blamed all over his failure.

"He complained of having a short squad with mediocre players, not being able to make more and better signings and especially of those claims from the president and the sporting director to be in the top 10 – something he didn't even consider. He also had criticisms to other members of the club and the media."

The ex-Everton manager was put in charge of the Spanish side in November 2014 following the sacking of Jagoba Arrasate, with the club 16th in La Liga after 11 games. Moyes finished his first season in a comfortable but unimpressive 12th place and despite steering the club clear of relegation, he failed to conquer the hearts of the fans and local press.

Aperrybay backed him to lead the team in the 2015-16 season after putting at his disposal the most expensive squad in the club's history. Moyes broke the bank to get Asier Illarramendi from Real Madrid, while he bolstered his attack with the likes of Jonathas after the Brazilian proved to be a sensation in La Liga during the previous campaign, scoring 14 goals for Elche.

Moyes was given the target of getting Real Sociedad back into Europe but a poor start to the season has the club well off the pace, with them in 16th place. Therefore, a year after he started his role in charge of the La Liga side, the team is in exactly the same position.

Following the Las Palmas defeat, local media and fans celebrated the loss in the hope Moyes would be dismissed on the back of the result. The 52-year-old manager had also been criticised for reportedly failing to adapt to Spain and learn the language, while his football methods were deemed boring and some members of the squad highlighted their displeasure.

Iñaki Izquierdo, from Diario Vasco, wrote: "The manager still bears the impression of someone who has only just arrived and does not understand the club, the players, La Liga, San Sebastian, the opponents, the referees, the language or even the timetables."