American Gaffer Takes the Reins: Real Sociedad Appoint Pellegrino Matarazzo
Real Sociedad have turned to former Bundesliga manager Pellegrino Matarazzo to rescue their season, signing the Italian-American until 2027 as they battle relegation.
American Gaffer Takes the Reins: Real Sociedad Appoint Pellegrino Matarazzo
The struggling Basque outfit have moved swiftly to secure their new manager, appointing Italian-American Pellegrino Matarazzo on a contract running until 2027.
Crisis Management
Real Sociedad haven’t half made a dog’s dinner of their season so far. Hovering dangerously close to the relegation zone, the club’s brass decided enough was enough when they sacked Sergio Francisco last Sunday. After a brief interlude with Jon Ansotegi holding the fort, they’ve now landed their target.
The club’s official announcement, which came shortly after Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Levante, made their intentions crystal clear. Matarazzo has been brought in to “straighten the course and give new momentum to the team” - in other words, keep them in the bloody Primera División!
The New Gaffer
Matarazzo, born in New Jersey in 1977, brings some interesting credentials to the table:
- Cut his coaching teeth in Nuremberg’s youth setup
- Served as Julian Nagelsmann’s assistant at Hoffenheim, helping them qualify for the Champions League
- Led Stuttgart to promotion to the Bundesliga in his first season as head coach
- Stabilized Stuttgart in the top flight before returning to Hoffenheim
- Guided Hoffenheim to Europa League qualification
While some reports suggested La Real were considering other candidates, it seems Matarazzo has been their primary target since October. The club hierarchy clearly believe the American is the right man to steer them away from the drop zone.
What’s Next
Matarazzo will waste no time getting acquainted with his new surroundings. He’ll be in the stands on Sunday to watch Real Sociedad’s B team (Sanse) in action, before being officially unveiled at the Anoeta Stadium on Monday at 4pm local time.
Beyond the immediate relegation dogfight, there’s still some silverware up for grabs. The txuri-urdin remain in the Copa del Rey, with the draw for the round of 16 on the horizon - offering a potential silver lining to what’s been a right mare of a season.