Matarazzo meets his new squad: Oyarzabal to play crucial role in Real Sociedad revival
New Real Sociedad boss Pellegrino Matarazzo has finally met captain Mikel Oyarzabal and the rest of his squad as the club looks to turn their season around.
Real Sociedad’s new gaffer Pellegrino Matarazzo has finally come face-to-face with his players as the squad returned to training on Monday, including a crucial introduction to captain and talisman Mikel Oyarzabal.
The first day back
Matarazzo, who’s been given the keys to the motor at the Basque outfit, used Monday’s session to get acquainted with the lads he’ll be guiding from the dugout. The American-Italian tactician will be looking to form a strong partnership with Oyarzabal, who’s more than just the armband-wearer at La Real - he’s the heart and soul of that dressing room.
Dynamic duo
The success of Real Sociedad’s season now hinges largely on how these two Adam and Eves hit it off. Matarazzo brings his coaching philosophy while Oyarzabal delivers the on-pitch leadership that’s made him such a revered figure at the Reale Arena.
Of course, they can’t do it alone. The manager will need his entire staff pulling in the same direction, and more importantly, every player buying into his methods if they’re to climb the table.
The task ahead
Real Sociedad have been well off the boil this campaign, and Matarazzo’s appointment represents a fresh start. The txuriurdin faithful will be hoping this new partnership can spark an immediate reaction from a talented squad that’s been underperforming.
With the January transfer window approaching, the new boss will also be assessing where improvements might be needed, but his first priority will be getting more out of the current crop.
All eyes will be on how quickly Matarazzo can implement his ideas, and whether captain Oyarzabal can help translate those instructions on the pitch. As they say in the East End, it’s time to get their Barnet Fair and turn things around.