Real Sociedad Faces Tough Challenge Under New Manager

Real Sociedad will commence preparations for their return to competition this upcoming Monday, January 29, with Pellegrino Matarazzo as their new head coach. The primary objective is to improve their standing in the league and steer clear of relegation, a task that is as significant as it is challenging, given that their next opponents in LaLiga include Atlético de Madrid, Getafe, Barcelona, Celta, Athletic de Bilbao, Elche, and Real Madrid—all teams currently positioned in the upper half of the table.

As of the end of 2025, Real Sociedad has accumulated only 17 points from 17 matches, leaving them just two points above the relegation zone. This disappointing performance led to the dismissal of Sergio Francisco and the appointment of Matarazzo, after Jon Ansotegi temporarily managed the team for a week.

Matarazzo must secure victories immediately, as he acknowledged during his introductory press conference. His first task is to elevate both the performance level and morale of a squad currently underperforming. Additionally, they must aim to secure three points in each match, a challenging prospect considering the quality of their upcoming opponents.

The txuriurdin will return to LaLiga by hosting Atlético de Madrid on Sunday, January 4, a team that has suffered only three losses, compared to the four victories achieved by Real Sociedad. Following this, they will face the always difficult away game against Getafe, before welcoming Barcelona to San Sebastián, with Celta scheduled to visit shortly thereafter. The fixtures against Athletic de Bilbao at San Mamés, Elche at Anoeta, and Real Madrid at the Bernabéu complete an exceptionally tough schedule.

Real Sociedad needs to secure points against these higher-ranked opponents to compensate for the points lost against teams lower in the standings. They have yet to win against any of the six teams currently at the bottom of the table and have only managed to earn 11 out of 30 points against clubs in the lower half. A swift response is essential under Matarazzo’s leadership; otherwise, their situation may become even more perilous.