Pellegino Matarazzo: A Visionary Coach at Real Sociedad

Pellegino Matarazzo, the newly appointed coach of Real Sociedad, expresses his ambition and firm belief in his capabilities. He aims to instill this mindset in his players as they strive to escape the lower end of the league standings and achieve significant success.

Matarazzo shares the origins of his name and his American background. “I come from an Italian family, as both of my parents emigrated to the United States for work. They met there within a tightly-knit Italian community, which felt like a large family. Consequently, my name is Italian, and the first language I learned was Italian. However, I spent my youth studying in the U.S., where I learned English before moving to Germany. People often call me Pellegrino, and many simply refer to me as ‘Rino.'”

As a graduate with a degree in Mathematics, Matarazzo acknowledges the significance of his academic background. “I am grateful for my education at university, which were some of the best years of my life. I have the ability to analyze data effectively, but I also understand the limitations of numbers. The human spirit cannot be quantified, and this sport is fundamentally about people.”

In his free time away from football, Matarazzo invests significant moments with his family. “Family is incredibly important to me. I enjoy having coffee with my wife, playing Zelda with my son, and taking walks with my dog. I also prioritize physical fitness, engaging in running, cycling, and gym workouts, which are vital for my health. Additionally, I enjoy reading, albeit not extensively, and I seize opportunities to travel and experience new cultures—I’ve visited Japan, Costa Rica, and Tanzania.”

Matarazzo attributes his strong work ethic to his upbringing. “My parents taught me the value of hard work. They come from a farming background, where laziness is simply not an option. My father was a mechanic who worked tirelessly, while my mother cared for all four of us with immense love, dedication, and commitment.”

He also highlights his ambition as a defining characteristic. “I moved to Germany without knowing a word of German and transitioned from being a non-professional football player to becoming a coach in the Bundesliga. Now, I am here, and I couldn’t be happier.”

Finally, Matarazzo conveys his philosophy of limitless potential. “Those who set limits don’t believe in themselves. I believe that many things are possible, which may stem from my optimistic upbringing in the United States. If you are willing to invest everything you have into what you desire, you will achieve it.”