Philippe Montanier will renew his contract with Real Sociedad next week until June 30th, 2015, as only the finest of details have still to be talked out. The idea, however, is to give no announcements until exactly what European championship the San Sebastian club will be playing in next season is known.

Montanier and Real Sociedad kicked off the negotiations a few weeks ago, but they have been kept its progress a secret. Last Friday, the manager was asked once again what the situation was. "Damn, I thought that I'd get out of talking about my future this time. I don't want to talk about it today, and nor will I next week", he answered.

MARCA commented last Friday that all was going great guns, that the financial aspects of the deal had virtually been agreed upon, and that the duration of the contract would more than likely be for two seasons.

L'Equipe revealed that, after having been rumoured to sign with Lille, Montpellier and Rennes, Montanier would in the end decide to stay on with Real Sociedad, and sign until 2015. The idea of being able to carry on the project he started two seasons ago, and the possibility of playing in a European competition have been deciding factors that have tipped the balance in the Basque club's favour.

The French manager will then be going into his third year at the helm of Real Sociedad, having, after a very rocky and much criticised first year, enjoyed an impressive second, with excellent results and great football. It remains to be seen if the club will be playing in the Champions League or Europa League next season, something that will become much clearer after this Sunday's game.