Oyarzabal: Real Sociedad's Player-Coach Returns to Action
The Real Sociedad captain traveled to support the team in Elda despite injury, offering tactical input before his expected return against Levante this weekend.
Mikel Oyarzabal may not have kicked a ball in Elda, but his presence on the bench spoke volumes about his importance to Real Sociedad - even when he can’t play a blinder on the pitch.
Captain, Leader, Unofficial Coach
The Spanish international hasn’t trained properly for three weeks due to a muscle injury, but that didn’t stop him making the journey to Elda for Jon Ansotegi’s first match in charge. While most injured players might’ve stayed at home with their feet up watching Eastenders, Oyarzabal was having none of it.
What’s particularly telling is how the 27-year-old conducted himself on the bench. Rather than just being another spectator in club clobber, Oyarzabal was up and about giving tactical instructions to teammates - essentially acting as an extra coach for Ansotegi’s staff. The club even highlighted his captain’s role on social media, acknowledging his importance beyond just his technical ability.
The Oyarzabal Effect
It’s hard to overstate just how crucial the Eibar-born forward is to La Real:
- The team has lost all three La Liga matches without him this season
- He’s continued his touchline presence even through injury (previously seen during Imanol’s tenure too)
- His leadership qualities have made him indispensable in the dressing room
While some might debate whether he’ll go down as Real Sociedad’s greatest ever player or record appearance holder, his influence on the current squad is undeniable. There’s a reason he made the journey despite not being fit to play.
Ready for Levante
The good news for Txuri-urdin supporters is that their talisman appears set to return this weekend against Levante. Ansotegi confirmed post-match that Oyarzabal could have managed “15 good minutes” in extra time if needed, but Pablo Marín’s late winner meant they didn’t have to risk their captain.
“He’s feeling good and the plan is for him to start training with the team and have him available for Saturday,” Ansotegi explained after the cup victory.
With La Real struggling for consistency this season, having their captain back on the pitch rather than just providing his wisdom from the sidelines could be just what the doctor ordered. The Levante clash now takes on added importance as they look to climb the table with their leader back in action.