Aperribay Plays It Cool on January Signings: 'One or Two Players Won't Change Our Lives'
Real Sociedad president prioritizes improving current squad over January transfers as new boss Matarazzo takes the reins at the struggling Basque club.
La Real President Urges Internal Solutions Over Transfer Splashing
Real Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay isn’t about to hit the panic button and go on a January spending spree, despite the club’s recent struggles that led to a managerial change.
Speaking at new gaffer Pellegrino Matarazzo’s unveiling, Aperribay doubled down on the message he delivered just 12 days earlier – La Real’s focus should be on improving their current crop rather than looking for answers in the transfer market.
Internal Solutions First
When pressed about potential January reinforcements, Aperribay was crystal clear about the club’s priorities:
“I think more than reinforcing, what we need to do is be ambitious this January with the performance of what we already have,” he explained, emphasizing the need to change the team’s dynamic rather than its personnel.
The president went further, stating that “bringing in one or two players from outside won’t change our lives if we don’t get the best performance from those we already have.”
Backing the Current Squad
Aperibay was quick to defend his players when questioned about their recent performances, which have left the normally composed president visibly suffering in the directors’ box:
- He believes the squad genuinely wants to turn things around
- Players are aware they need to improve individually and collectively
- The team’s desire to change their situation gives him confidence
He also dismissed suggestions of a leadership vacuum in the dressing room, insisting: “The Real players have training and leadership. There are many players who demonstrate leadership and are capable of taking Real far.”
Matarazzo: “A Safe Bet”
When questioned whether appointing the American-German coach was a risky gamble, Aperribay was having none of it.
“I don’t like to talk about gambles, but if you spoke with all the people we’ve talked to, they’d tell you he’s a safe bet,” the president insisted, praising Matarazzo’s work ethic and clear football philosophy.
The warm welcome extended to Matarazzo (nicknamed ‘Rino’) suggests Aperribay sees the new manager as philosophically aligned with the club’s values, noting their “connection from the beginning has been very interesting.”
For La Real supporters hoping for a bit of transfer market ‘Bread and Honey’ to solve their problems, it seems the answer will instead come from within – at least for now.