Matarazzo's La Liga Debut Earns Manager of the Month Nomination
The American coach has made an instant impact at Real Sociedad, securing six points from nine and a Copa del Rey quarter-final spot in his first month in charge.
Real Sociedad’s new gaffer Pellegrino Matarazzo has wasted no time making his mark in Spain, earning a January Manager of the Month nomination despite only just arriving at the Basque club.
Impressive start in San Sebastián
The American tactician has hit the ground running since taking the reins at La Real, collecting six points from a possible nine in his opening La Liga fixtures. His side secured impressive victories against Getafe and Barcelona, only dropping points against Atlético Madrid in a match where they created enough chances to have nicked all three.
Beyond the league, Matarazzo has guided Real Sociedad to the Copa del Rey quarter-finals after eliminating Osasuna, making it a proper Adam and Eve (believe) of a start to his Spanish managerial career.
Stiff competition for the award
Matarazzo faces tough competition for the January accolade from two other in-form managers:
- Claudio Giraldez - The Celta Vigo boss who’ll be in the opposite dugout this Sunday, currently enjoying a strong run with the Galicians
- Michel - Girona’s manager who has successfully steered his team away from the relegation zone
Txuri-urdin players also in the spotlight
Matarazzo isn’t the only one from Real Sociedad earning recognition for the team’s January revival:
- Gonçalo Guedes has been nominated for Player of the Month after finding the net against both Atlético Madrid and Barcelona
- Álex Remiro is in contention for Save of the Month following several outstanding stops in Sunday’s fixture
The nominations reflect a promising new chapter at the Reale Arena, with Matarazzo seemingly breathing fresh life into a squad that needed a spark. If the American can maintain this trajectory, the second half of the season could be rather tasty for the San Sebastián outfit.