Matarazzo Discusses Team Performance and Upcoming Challenges

Pellegrino Matarazzo has praised the dedication and ambition of his players during training as the key to their recent successes since his arrival, despite some attributing their achievements to luck. During a pre-match press conference, the coach lamented the long-term absence of Take Kubo, expressed hope that Óskarsson would avoid further muscular issues, and anticipated Yangel Herrera’s return next week.

Matarazzo was first asked about the excitement surrounding the team’s victories against Osasuna and Barcelona. He acknowledged, “We are fully aware that it has been a very special week due to the character we displayed, our performance, and the emotional investment we have made. However, we also recognize that we have achieved nothing yet; we have merely begun our journey together and have much to improve as we move forward.”

Regarding Kubo’s injury, Matarazzo stated, “Losing Take, a special player who was in great form, is disappointing, especially for a longer period than expected. He has returned to Japan to be with his family and medical team; the mental aspect is also crucial. However, we have other players ready to step in, such as Barrenetxea, and we have tested various options this week. The Sanse players who have been training have performed well, showcasing their talent. We will include three players from Sanse: Ibai, Dani Díaz, and Ochieng.”

Matarazzo expressed optimism about Óskarsson and Yangel, both of whom he has had limited opportunities to utilize. “Orri is a fantastic player; today he scored two goals in five minutes during practice. The priority is his fitness, and I am confident that despite recent injuries, we will work well together. As for Yangel, I am thrilled to have him back, but he has been out since October and needs more time to integrate, regain form, and prepare properly for matches. He is not an option for the Celta game, but he will be for the upcoming weeks.”

When asked about the team’s improvement, Matarazzo responded, “If we are to discuss luck, we must also consider that in the early matches, we did not have it; we created many opportunities to score, recalling 18 shots and a missed penalty against Osasuna. We lacked luck that day. What we do have is energy, which I believe influences our performance. The reasons for our improvement lie in the players’ efforts to correct small errors, our intensity, our willingness to run, and the connections we have developed. Overcoming setbacks, such as scoring against Barcelona immediately after conceding, has been crucial. Most importantly, I would highlight our determination; we fight for our luck.”

Carlos Soler will be unavailable due to suspension, with Gorrotxategi likely to replace him. “We know how important Carlos is to us; he understands our playing style, is versatile, and covers a lot of ground. Against Osasuna, he ran 16 kilometers! However, other players are ready, including Gorrotxategi, who was one of the reasons for our solid second half against Barcelona, along with Pablo Marín.”

Sunday’s match is pivotal for European aspirations, but Matarazzo is not setting such goals just yet. “At this moment, my focus is on our performance; we need to improve certain details. We are entering the second half of the season with many matches still to play. Let us concentrate on winning each game rather than thinking long-term.”

While Real Sociedad has accumulated seven points from nine, Celta has secured 16 from 18, indicating a challenging match ahead. “It is a tough challenge against a strong team currently in good form, having won eight of their last eleven league matches. However, we are also performing well. We need to understand their strengths, particularly their dynamism in the central attacking area, but we also have our strengths. We are in good form and can be very effective, as we demonstrated against Barcelona.”