Real Sociedad is "prepared" for the "great challenge" against Real Madrid
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Real Sociedad coach Pellegrino Matarazzo believes his team is prepared for the "great challenge" of facing Real Madrid.
- Matarazzo praised Real Madrid's "spectacular signings" and "ordered pressure."
- The coach discussed player availability, including Ander Barrenetxea and Gonรงalo Guedes, and addressed individual matchups like Aramburu against Vinรญcius.
Real Sociedad manager Pellegrino Matarazzo has declared his team "prepared" for the "great challenge" of facing Real Madrid in a postponed LaLiga match. Matarazzo acknowledged the formidable opponent, highlighting Real Madrid's "spectacular signings" and their "ordered pressure" as key strengths.
the players of Real Sociedad "are prepared" for the "great challenge" that it means to face Real Madrid tomorrow
In his pre-match press conference, the American coach did not hold back in his praise for the Spanish giants, calling them a "top club" led by a "great coach." He emphasized that Real Madrid's offensive strategy is clear, making it a significant test for his squad. Matarazzo also confirmed that Ander Barrenetxea and Gonรงalo Guedes are available for selection, with Guedes considered ready to be included in the squad.
When questioned about Mikel Oyarzabal's potential playing time, Matarazzo opted for a strategic silence, stating he preferred not to reveal if the player could complete 60 minutes, as it would give the rival an advantage. He admitted the possibility of rotations due to the demanding schedule and limited rest days.
they do the most ordered pressure and offensively they know what they have to do; it is a great challenge for us
Matarazzo singled out the individual duel between Aramburu and Vinรญcius, defending his Venezuelan full-back. He described Aramburu as the team's "warrior" and noted his usual solidity, despite some "unfortunate penalty incidents" during their last visit to the Santiago Bernabรฉu. Jon Gorrotxategi and Pablo Marรญn will not travel to Madrid, with Gorrotxategi expected to join a squad list soon and Marรญn showing promising recovery for a return in two to three weeks.
I prefer not to answer if he is prepared because I would give the answer to the rival and would have an advantage
Finally, Matarazzo declined to comment on transfer rumors linking the club with defender Mamadou Sarr, stressing his focus on current players. He expressed satisfaction with praise from Josรฉ Mourinho regarding Real Sociedad's competitiveness, stating, "That's what I believe. The plan is to compete and we want to give everything we have."
the warrior of the team
Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.