Double Disciplinary Blow for La Real as Zubeldia and Gorrotxategi Set to Miss Atleti Clash
Real Sociedad will be without two key players for new manager Pellegrino Matarazzo's debut against Atlético Madrid after the RFEF confirmed their suspensions.
Real Sociedad’s preparations for their crucial clash against Atlético Madrid have been dealt a serious blow with the confirmation that Igor Zubeldia and Jon Gorrotxategi will both be suspended for the fixture.
Suspension Details
The RFEF Disciplinary Committee has officially confirmed one-match bans for both players after they picked up their fifth yellow cards of the La Liga campaign during the recent match against Levante. The timing couldn’t be worse for La Real, as the suspensions coincide with new manager Pellegrino Matarazzo’s debut in the Anoeta dugout.
The high-profile clash against Atlético is scheduled for Sunday, January 4th at 21:00 local time, leaving the incoming coach with some proper selection headaches before he’s even had a chance to get his feet under the table.
Selection Dilemmas
Both Zubeldia and Gorrotxategi had established themselves as nailed-on starters under previous management duo Sergio Francisco and Jon Ansotegi, making their absences particularly problematic for Matarazzo’s first game in charge.
In defence, Zubeldia’s replacement is likely to come from one of two options:
- Duje Caleta-Car
- Aritz Elustondo
Finding Gorrotxategi’s replacement presents a more complex puzzle. While Beñat Turrientes would appear to be the natural deputy on paper, the previous coaching team didn’t always follow that particular script when making changes in that position.
First Test for Matarazzo
This situation presents an immediate tactical challenge for Matarazzo as he prepares for his baptism of fire against Diego Simeone’s men. Having to reshuffle his pack before even seeing his full squad in action isn’t exactly the dream start the new gaffer would have hoped for.
How the German-American coach handles these enforced changes could give us our first real insight into his tactical approach at La Real. Talk about being thrown in at the deep end - it’s like asking a plumber to fix your boiler with half his tools missing!