Pellegrino Matarazzo: Real Sociedad looks for balance after Athletic’s Txapela win

Pellegrino Matarazzo, coach of Real Sociedad, assessed the Euskal Herria Txapela final against Athletic and said the Basques were “the best team” in a match decided by a goal “from set piece.” “It was a difficult game,” he said, pointing to losses that “broke our rhythm.”

He also addressed the lack of punch in attack, mentioning that they had “Gonçalo” available and praising Zakharyan’s performance despite admitting he wasn’t always precise in passing. Matarazzo blamed “too many easy losses” for hitting their confidence.

Minutes for players who needed them

Matarazzo highlighted the positive side despite up to 11 absences. He argued that “five players who had gone a long time without competing” were able to get plenty of minutes, naming Aihen, Zakharyan and Rupérez.

International break and injury updates

With the international break coming right after, he warned that the schedule is heavy, with up to nine players away, and insisted on rest: “It’s important for the players to rest well,” and the club will work to find “the right balance.” He also welcomed the low injury count, noting that Marín already returned to play and that Zubeldia will come back to training “next week,” per MARCA.