Real Sociedad face brutal fixture list as Matarazzo begins rescue mission
La Real sit precariously close to the relegation zone with a daunting run of matches ahead as their new boss attempts to spark an immediate turnaround.
The new year can’t come soon enough for a Real Sociedad side desperate to put 2025’s struggles firmly in the rearview mirror.
Matarazzo’s mountain to climb
Pellegrino Matarazzo will begin his Real Sociedad rescue mission on Monday when the squad reconvenes after the break, inheriting a team in serious danger of the unthinkable. The Italian-American gaffer takes over a side sitting just two points above the drop zone, having amassed a measly 17 points from their opening 17 fixtures.
The former interim boss Jon Ansotegi has handed over the reins following Sergio Francisco’s dismissal, but Matarazzo faces an absolute nightmare start to his tenure with a fixture list that would give any manager the collywobbles:
- Atlético Madrid (home)
- Getafe (away)
- Barcelona (home)
- Celta Vigo (home)
- Athletic Bilbao (away)
- Elche (home)
- Real Madrid (away)
That’s a proper baptism of fire for the new boss, with barely a bread and butter fixture in sight. Every single one of those opponents currently sits in the top half of the table.
Points drought against bottom sides
What makes La Real’s situation even more concerning is their inability to pick up points against teams they should be beating. They’ve failed to win against any of the bottom six sides in La Liga this season, collecting just 11 points from a possible 30 against teams in the lower half of the table.
Matarazzo acknowledged in his introductory press conference that immediate results are essential. His first task is restoring both footballing quality and morale to a squad performing well below their capabilities.
January could define their season
The clock is ticking for a side that traditionally competes for European spots rather than scrapping to avoid relegation. If Matarazzo can’t spark an immediate reaction, Real Sociedad could find themselves in serious trouble come February.
The new boss needs to get his tactics spot on from day one and hope that key players rediscover their form quickly. Otherwise, what started as a disappointing campaign could turn into an absolute disaster for the Txuri-urdin.