Motta and Matarazzo Lead Real Sociedad's Managerial Shortlist
With Jon Ansotegi taking temporary charge, Real Sociedad are eyeing foreign coaches including Thiago Motta and Pellegrino Matarazzo for their vacant managerial position.
La Real Hunting for Foreign Boss as Ansotegi Steps In Temporarily
Real Sociedad are moving quickly to find a permanent replacement for Sergio Francisco, with former player Jon Ansotegi stepping in as caretaker manager while the club finalizes their new appointment.
The Basque outfit appear to be focusing their search abroad, with Italian Thiago Motta and American-Italian Pellegrino Matarazzo emerging as the frontrunners for the vacant position at the Reale Arena.
Temporary Solution
Ansotegi, currently in charge of Real Sociedad B (Sanse), will take the first team for two crucial fixtures:
- Tuesday’s Copa del Rey round of 32 clash against Eldense in Elda
- Saturday’s vital La Liga match at Levante, where La Real desperately need points to climb away from the relegation zone
The caretaker boss has been doing a solid job with the B team despite facing numerous challenges since the summer, but his promotion is clearly a stopgap measure while the board finalizes terms with their preferred candidate.
Foreign Favorites
While Spanish coaches Luis García Plaza and Francisco Javier García Pimienta have been mentioned, all signs point to La Real appointing a foreign manager. The club’s decision-makers have reportedly been conducting a “casting” process for several weeks, dating back to early October when Sergio’s position first came under serious scrutiny.
The two leading candidates bring interesting credentials:
Pellegrino Matarazzo (48) - Previously Julian Nagelsmann’s assistant at Hoffenheim before taking the top job there himself. Also managed Stuttgart in the Bundesliga. His name was first linked by transfer expert Matteo Moretto.
Thiago Motta (43) - The former Barcelona, Atlético Madrid and PSG midfielder has managerial experience with PSG’s youth teams, Genoa, Spezia, Bologna, and most recently Juventus. His playing career in Spain gives him valuable La Liga knowledge.
Mixed Foreign Record
Real Sociedad have had mixed success with foreign appointments in the past. Martín Lasarte and Philippe Montanier both proved successful imports, while David Moyes’ tenure was an absolute dog’s dinner that ended prematurely.
With the team currently flirting with the relegation places, the board will be desperate to get this appointment spot on. Whoever gets the gig will inherit a talented but underperforming squad that’s been struggling for consistency all season.