Pellegrino Matarazzo’s First Training Session with Real Sociedad

Pellegrino Matarazzo will conduct his inaugural training session as the new head coach of Real Sociedad today at Zubieta, starting at 11:00 AM in the indoor facilities, followed by a session on the pitch of José Luis Orbegozo approximately half an hour later.

On his first day, Matarazzo’s attention will be primarily directed towards assessing Ander Barrenetxea’s recovery from a muscular issue and determining whether Orri Óskarsson is back in training, similar to previous sessions before the holiday break.

Having likely held discussions with his assistants Omer Toprak and John Maisano well in advance, Matarazzo must quickly decide whether to continue with the 1-4-3-3 formation that has been employed by Real Sociedad for the last decade, since Eusebio Sacristán’s arrival. He will also evaluate whether to retain the same players who featured under Sergio Francisco and Jon Ansotegi or introduce any surprises.

This season, the typical starting lineup in LaLiga has included Remiro, Aramburu, Jon Martín, Zubeldia, Sergio Gómez, Brais Méndez, Gorrotxategi, Soler, Kubo, Oyarzabal, and Barrenetxea, with Guedes and Aihen frequently participating. Recently, however, there have been few variations in the squad.

Matarazzo will begin his tenure without Yangel Herrera due to injury and is still awaiting updates on Barrenetxea’s condition and Óskarsson’s availability. He is already aware that two key players, Zubeldia and Gorrotxategi, will be unavailable due to suspension for the debut match against Atlético de Madrid, necessitating the identification of suitable replacements.

Among the usual starters, Odriozola, Caleta-Car, Turrientes, Sucic, Karrikaburu, and Sadiq have recently been in the spotlight regarding potential departures in the upcoming winter transfer market as they seek greater playing time. It remains to be seen whether the dismissal of Sergio Francisco and the arrival of Matarazzo will alter the situation for any of these players. Notably, Sucic featured in Jon Ansotegi’s plans during the last two matches of the previous year.