Dark times for Kovacevic

Hopes were high at the Basque outfit that the club could repeat their incredible showing of last term when they were just pipped for the Primera title by Real Madrid.

Kovacevic, and strike partner Nihat Kahveci, were the driving force behind that title push with a combined total of 43 goals, but it has been a different story this term.

The duo have managed just 19 goals between them in all competitions, and Sociedad were flirting with the relegation zone for much of the early part of the season.

Inevitably, Kovacevic - with just six Liga goals to his name - has come in for criticism in some quarters, and the Serbo-Montenegrin international concedes he has not lived up to the standards he has set himself.

"This year has been one of the poorest of my career because I have scored only six goals and am unhappy about it," declared the 30-year-old.

"I have had plenty of chances to score, I've hit the post a few times but, through bad luck or whatever, the ball has not gone in.

"You have to forget it and keep working hard, the goals will come."

However, Kovacevic - who was linked with a move to Valencia last summer - insists it would be wrong to view this season as a step backwards.

"To think that is a bit strong," he continued.

"In two-and-a-half years I have scored 30-odd goals. I might only have six this year but you can't say it is a step backwards.

"I am happy with my work and so is the manager."