Odriozola's renaissance: 'Windscreen wiper' therapy, gluten-free diet, and rock 'n' roll with Matarazzo
Real Sociedad's Álvaro Odriozola reveals the secrets behind his return to form after injury struggles, from mental coaching to lifestyle changes.
After years in the wilderness battling injuries, Álvaro Odriozola is finally showing La Real fans the player they’ve been waiting for - and he’s revealed the fascinating journey behind his renaissance.
The return of the real Odriozola
It’s been a proper rollercoaster for the 28-year-old right-back. After spells at Real Madrid and Bayern Munich where he struggled for consistent game time, his return to San Sebastián hadn’t gone according to script either - until now.
“I’m not going to say I’m a new Álvaro, because Álvaro has always been there,” the defender explains, “but this is a version I like - running down the wing at Anoeta in front of my people.”
What’s remarkable is how close Odriozola came to being completely frozen out at his boyhood club. Last summer, La Real even stripped him of his number 2 shirt, leaving him without a squad number - a moment that could have broken lesser players.
“If I’d been in the position of Bretos, Aperribay or the fans, I honestly would have done the same,” he admits with refreshing honesty. “From that point, I’ve given my life to enjoy these recent matches.”
The secrets behind the comeback
Odriozola has made several key changes that have helped him return to his best:
- Mental coaching: He credits psychologist Imanol Ibarrondo, whom he calls his “windscreen wiper” for clearing the negative thoughts from his mind
- Dietary changes: “I gave up gluten and I feel better”
- Stoicism: “I’ve practiced a lot of stoicism - things happen as they should, not as one wants”
- Family motivation: His daughters watched him play at Anoeta for the first time last weekend
The ‘Rino’ revolution
Another factor in Odriozola’s resurgence has been the arrival of coach Pellegrino Matarazzo, whom the players affectionately call ‘Rino’.
“I don’t know what we Donostiarras have with New Jersey - Bruce Springsteen is very loved in Donosti, and now our dear ‘Rino’ has come to add a bit of rock and roll,” Odriozola says with typical London-esque wit.
The defender is clearly impressed by his new gaffer’s approach, describing him as intelligent and worldly, with a perfect blend of German pragmatism and Italian humour. He’s even trying to learn some Basque phrases - no small feat, that.
Derby day looms
With the Basque derby against Athletic Club coming up at San Mamés, Odriozola feels ready to start if called upon. He also took time to praise his captain Mikel Oyarzabal, putting him in the same bracket as elite players he’s shared dressing rooms with like Benzema, Modric, and Lewandowski.
“Mikel is absolute elite level, a world-class star,” he insists. “It’s a luxury having him at La Real.”
For a player who once feared his career might be over, Odriozola is now embracing every moment at Zubieta: “Coming here is a joy, a gift from life, and I realized it could end, so I enjoy every second thinking it could be the last.”
With his form returning and confidence flowing, the Basque flyer is finally showing the talent that once made him one of Spain’s most promising full-backs.