Pellegrino Matarazzo Leads First Training Session at Real Sociedad

Pellegrino Matarazzo has officially led his first training session as the new head coach of Real Sociedad. The session took place with the anticipated absences of injured players Iñaki Rupérez and Yangel Herrera. Additionally, Ander Barrenetxea remains doubtful for the upcoming match against Atlético de Madrid due to a lingering muscular issue. Furthermore, Arsen Zakharyan was present on the pitch at Zubieta but had to withdraw shortly after, as he was not feeling fit to train due to a febrile condition.

The players who participated in Matarazzo’s initial practice included goalkeepers Remiro, Marrero, and Fraga, alongside field players Aramburu, Aihen, Gorrotxategi, Zubeldia, Aritz, Turrientes, Óskarsson, Oyarzabal, Guedes, Kubo, Sadiq, Caleta-Car, Sergio Gómez, Soler, Karrikaburu, Odriozola, Goti, Brais Méndez, Sucic, Pablo Marín, and Jon Martín.

It is important to note that Gorrotxategi and Zubeldia will be sidelined due to an accumulation of yellow cards, missing Matarazzo’s La Liga debut this Sunday at 21:00 against Atlético de Madrid at Anoeta.

Aware of these challenges, Matarazzo incorporated various ball exercises in gradually expanding spaces, culminating in an 11-a-side match on a nearly full-sized field, employing a 1-4-2-3-1 formation. The teams were divided, with Marrero, Aramburu, Jon Martín, Caleta-Car, Aihen, Marín, Soler, Goti, Sucic, Guedes, and Sadiq on one side, and Remiro, Odriozola, Aritz, Zubeldia, Sergio Gómez, Gorrotxategi, Turrientes, Kubo, Brais Méndez, Karrikaburu, and Oyarzabal on the other. Óskarsson, wearing an orange bib, played with the attacking side.

As this was just the first training session, drawing significant conclusions is premature. However, it appears that Aramburu, Jon Martín, Caleta-Car, and Aihen may form Matarazzo’s starting defense. Turrientes was placed alongside Gorrotxategi, rather than on the opposing team, where Marín and Soler were positioned. Notably, if Barrenetxea recovers, he could be integrated into the lineup alongside Kubo, Brais Méndez, and Oyarzabal, or alternatively, Guedes.