Matarazzo feeling derby fever: 'People tell me in the street how important it is to win'
Real Sociedad boss Pellegrino Matarazzo embraces Basque derby importance ahead of Sunday's clash at San Mamés, sharing injury updates and tactical thoughts.
American coach Pellegrino Matarazzo is quickly learning what the Basque derby means to Real Sociedad supporters as he prepares for his first taste of the fierce rivalry against Athletic Club at San Mamés on Sunday.
Derby fever grips Matarazzo
Despite being in the job for just a month, Matarazzo has already absorbed the significance of this fixture, telling reporters: “People tell me in the street how important it is to win the derby.”
The New Jersey-born coach, who spent 25 years in Germany, noted the unique atmosphere surrounding this particular derby compared to the more hostile rivalries he witnessed in the Bundesliga:
“I’ve seen intense derbies between cities that can’t stand each other, but this one’s special because you see the fans getting along well. That’s not typical - it speaks to the respect between the clubs. But everyone wants to win it, and we’ll do everything possible to make that happen.”
Matarazzo even attended Athletic’s Champions League match at San Mamés on Wednesday to scout the opposition and experience the atmosphere firsthand.
Injury concerns and selection headaches
La Real have several fitness issues to navigate before Sunday’s clash:
- Ander Barrenetxea missed training with a thigh contusion but could return tomorrow
- Unai Marrero underwent surgery and will be out for seven days before training with a mask
- Yangel Herrera is training well and might make the squad for limited minutes
The American gaffer also faces selection dilemmas in midfield with Carlos Soler returning to availability while Jon Turrientes has been a fixture in all four La Liga matches under his management. Matarazzo described this as “more options, not doubts” - a nice problem to have with five matches coming in two weeks.
Form vs derby day reality
Despite La Real’s excellent form (Matarazzo was named January’s La Liga Manager of the Month), the coach understands derby dynamics perfectly:
“This match is a competition in itself - you start from zero. There’s no favourite in this fixture. The winner will be whoever makes more intelligent decisions, wins the duels, shows character and quality.”
Matarazzo isn’t reading much into Athletic’s potential absentees either, expecting Valverde to “field the best possible eleven, taking whatever risks necessary” and noting that “everyone on the pitch will be 100% motivated.”
With La Real in better form than their rivals, Sunday represents a golden opportunity for Matarazzo to cement his blossoming relationship with the txuriurdin faithful by delivering derby day delight.