Gonçalo Guedes Thrives at Real Sociedad: Aiming for Stability and Success

omidbasir- Gonçalo Guedes is delighted to be making a significant impact at Real Sociedad, scoring goals and providing assists, which was his primary objective upon returning to LaLiga. In an interview with Radio MARCA Donostia, the Portuguese forward emphasized how well he has integrated into the txuriurdin locker room and acknowledged the need for continued effort against Athletic Club to secure a spot in the Copa del Rey final, while also focusing on securing points in LaLiga.

Guedes celebrates the team’s positive response in 2026, stating, “Recently, both the team and I have been performing well, and we must strive to maintain this momentum to climb the table.”

He attributes his outstanding performance to the comfort he feels within the team. “I don’t know if I’m surprised, but I am very content and enjoying my time, contributing assists and goals, which was my goal upon joining Real, and it’s happening.”

The forward explained his decision to accept the offer from Real Sociedad last summer. “From the outset, communication with Real was excellent. We first spoke on a Tuesday, and by Saturday or Sunday, I was on my way. After three years of changing teams and countries, I needed some stability, which Real provided for me and my family. From there, I needed to work on my rhythm and earn my minutes, and that has happened.”

Before delving into his current situation at Real, he reflected on his time at Valencia and Villarreal. “I moved to PSG during the winter transfer window, which was challenging, as it was my first experience living alone and the competition level was very high with the arrivals of Neymar and Mbappé. I wanted to play, and then Valencia offered me the opportunity, which was a significant and positive turn in my life because I was contributing with goals and assists and felt important in the team.”

He later transferred to Wolverhampton, with a loan to Villarreal. “Things didn’t go well for me in England. I couldn’t adapt despite the club providing all I needed, with incredible people and good conditions. I struggled with the food, being away from family and friends during the holidays, and the early closing times. I requested a move to Benfica and was doing well, but then I sustained a meniscus injury, which set me back. I eventually requested a loan to Villarreal, where things improved. I wanted to stay there, and they did too, but in football, wanting doesn’t always equate to being able to. I had to spend another year in England.”

Thus, Real Sociedad marks his third stint in Spain. “I was very clear about wanting to return to Spain because it’s a place where I feel comfortable. However, things were complicated with the Premier League, and then my agent called to say Real was very interested in me and that I would be happy here, and within days, I was on my way.”

Guedes has adapted quickly at Real, often seen with key players in the locker room such as Oyarzabal, Aritz, and Remiro. “I don’t know if it’s because they take the lead or due to their age, as Mikel, Aritz, Brais, Remiro, and I are all around 28 to 30 years old. From day one, my teammates welcomed me, and I couldn’t have asked for a better situation. Regarding Mikel, we’ve had a great relationship from the start; we understand each other well on the field and know what each other does. I hope this continues.”

The Real forward analyzed the impact of coach Matarazzo’s arrival. “The change in coaching staff has been beneficial for us. The coach has introduced new ideas that we’ve embraced, leading to goals, good results, and solid performances. He communicates his ideas clearly in English, which we’ve understood easily, and he engages with us, joking around. I believe he excels at analyzing opponents, and when those strategies work, it boosts our confidence in him.”

Guedes refrained from commenting on the refereeing decisions from the past weekend’s match at the Bernabéu and the yellow card he received at San Mamés for allegedly simulating a penalty. “To be honest, I didn’t watch the replay. During the match, both penalties seemed clear to me, but with VAR, it’s different. I respect referees, and regarding the San Mamés decision, I felt it was 100% a penalty. I was moving quickly, and the defender made contact. Ultimately, if the referee thinks it’s a penalty, that’s that; everyone makes mistakes on the field.”

The Portuguese player prefers to focus on the upcoming match against Oviedo this Saturday. “Our mindset is set on winning, knowing we face a rival with strengths. We lost in the first leg, so we must approach the game with full intensity and not relax.”

While Guedes avoided making predictions about the Copa final, he noted that Real is not yet qualified and must contend fiercely with Athletic in the return leg. “What I enjoy about playing in derbies is the camaraderie between the fans of Bilbao and San Sebastián; there are no issues among them, which I appreciate. It will be a tough match, and we cannot guarantee our place in the final yet, as Athletic is a strong team, and in derbies, anything can happen. We were superior in both matches we played recently and deserved to win both; we must maintain that level.”

Looking ahead, he expressed a strong desire to participate in the World Cup, acknowledging the challenges due to the high level of competition in Portugal. “Every player aspires to play in the World Cup and be among the best in their country. I’m no different, but the level is very high, and it’s difficult to be selected. If the coach calls me, I would be thrilled; if not, I would understand due to the fierce competition. Regarding Cristiano, he’s a global reference, an excellent person, and works hard. We all look up to him to improve ourselves.”