Beñat Turrientes Thrives Under Pellegrino Matarazzo’s Leadership

omidbasir- Beñat Turrientes has emerged as one of the most positively impacted players at Real Sociedad following the appointment of Pellegrino Matarazzo as head coach. Since Matarazzo’s arrival, Turrientes has started in all four LaLiga matches, a notable increase from the three starts he had prior. Initially contemplating a loan move during the January transfer window in search of greater playing time, those thoughts have since dissipated as he now aims to solidify his significance in the team.

The season 2025-26 commenced with Turrientes as a starter in the opening two matches, benefitting from Jon Gorrotxategi’s unavailability due to a pre-season injury. However, in the third match, Gorrotxategi returned, relegating Turrientes to the bench. Over the next 14 fixtures, Turrientes made only five appearances—starting once and coming on as a substitute four times. This lack of playing time, coupled with a similarly limited role in the previous season, prompted him to consider a loan move from Real Sociedad for the first time.

As he contemplated this possibility, the situation changed dramatically with the dismissal of Sergio Francisco. After a brief interim period under Jon Ansotegi, Pellegrino Matarazzo took charge and rejuvenated Turrientes’ prospects, as he has since been a starter in all four LaLiga games and made a substitute appearance in the Copa del Rey, where he notably scored during a comeback that led to victory on penalties.

The former U21 international is clearly enjoying a prosperous phase in his career. “Ultimately, all players desire playing time, and for me, the year 2026 has started in the best possible way. I was anticipating limited minutes, and many teams had expressed interest, but I wanted to prove myself under the new coach. I’m now enjoying more prominence, and I’m happy; however, there is intense competition, and I need to keep training hard and playing as I have been,” he stated.

Turrientes will celebrate his 24th birthday on Saturday, and he has expressed a wish for an additional gift. “Yes, I hope one of my gifts will be winning on Sunday. It’s an exciting match for both us and the fans, so we will be going for all three points.”