Real Sociedad manager Matarazzo says he understands why Arsen Zakharyan was frustrated after being left on the bench against Espanyol, but believes the midfielder must show greater emotional control.
Zakharyan shouted at his coach and threw down his jersey after failing to receive playing time in the previous match. Matarazzo said the relationship between the pair remained positive, but urged the player to be patient and continue working in training.
“Zakharyan had a very successful preseason, showing his best performance since I arrived, and I let him play in his favourite position – attacking midfielder. After the match against Espanyol, I spoke with Zakharyan. He expressed his feelings, and I explained the importance of continuing to train hard and being patient. I understand that Zakharyan wants to play, and I don’t expect him to be happy sitting on the bench, but he should control his emotions better. Regardless, our understanding remains very good. When the opportunity comes, I hope Zakharyan seizes it.”
Real Sociedad host Celta Vigo tonight, with Matarazzo unable to take charge from the touchline after being suspended. He said the match would instead be managed by Maisano, Aleman, and Xabi Alonso, while Toprak is also suspended.
“I will watch it at the stadium, but since I’m suspended, I’ll probably be in a box somewhere. If you see me, feel free to come say hello, hahaha. Besides me, Toprak is also suspended, so this match will be managed by Maisano, Aleman, and Xabi Alonso. Maisano is energetic and a great person. I believe they will perform well and help the team. However, I am very unhappy with this red card, and I hope it’s the last time.”
Matarazzo also expressed satisfaction with Real Sociedad’s work in the transfer market after the arrivals of Sarr and Ford. Both players have been included in the squad for the game against Celta Vigo, as the coach looks to integrate them quickly during a busy period in the schedule.
“We’ve brought in two excellent players, Sarr and Ford. I think the team did a good job in the transfer market, and I’m satisfied with the current squad.”
“It’s really hard to say, but I do think we have the potential to achieve better results. When I took over the team in January, we had difficulty scoring goals. Then we changed our style of play and started scoring frequently, but conceded more goals as a result. After the season, I discussed with management how to fine-tune the existing system, which ultimately led to these two new signings. Sarr is fast, physically strong, good at one-on-one duels and pressing defence, which is very useful for a team like ours that emphasizes high pressing. Ford has good technique, dribbling ability, and can tuck inside. He can adapt to both a back four and a back five system, and is a different style of right-back from Aramburu, so he’s also a good addition.”
“Yes, they’ve been called up to the squad. Our schedule has been busy recently, so it’s crucial for them to integrate into the team now.”
Matarazzo discusses squad competition
The manager said Goti’s move to Real Oviedo on loan would give the midfielder the matches he needs to continue developing. Goti has been limited by the competition for places in attacking midfield and suffered an injury shortly after discussing his progress with Matarazzo.
“Goti is a very talented player, but he can only play in the attacking midfield position, and we have too many players in that position. This summer, I had an honest conversation with Goti, asking him to show more aggression on the field, but unfortunately, he got injured shortly after our talk. Goti needs matches to develop, and I think a loan to Real Oviedo is a good option for him personally.”
Matarazzo also said Pacheco had not been excluded from the squad as a negotiating tactic. He wants the player to show more initiative before earning a regular opportunity, but believes recent training performances have been encouraging.
“I didn’t ask Pacheco to leave, and not including him in the squad before wasn’t a pressure tactic. But I did tell him that just staying with the team isn’t enough; to play, he must show more initiative and drive. Talent and potential alone are not sufficient. In recent training sessions, I’ve seen a positive response from Pacheco, and if he can maintain this form, he will certainly get playing time.”
Asked whether Martin could become a defensive leader, Matarazzo said a shirt number alone could not establish that status. He believes Martin has the ability to develop into an outstanding player, provided he demonstrates the necessary leadership and communication.
“A defensive cornerstone? No one becomes a defensive cornerstone just by getting a number. Whether he can do that depends on his leadership and communication skills. However, Martin is indeed a very excellent player, and he can reach a very high level of performance.”
Guedes is another player who could see his involvement increase after making progress in training.
“I won’t say whether he’ll start now, but I do think he can get more playing time. Guedes has been improving in training, and his progress is very noticeable.”
Matarazzo dismissed concerns over Takefusa Kubo’s recent form, insisting the Japan international remained an important part of the team.
“Perhaps Takefusa Kubo’s recent performance hasn’t been outstanding, but he is very important to the team. I often communicate with him, and his training performance is excellent. Takefusa Kubo has unique qualities, and I reiterate that he will be an important member of the team.”
Real Sociedad will need to adapt to a Celta Vigo side Matarazzo described as flexible and mobile. He expects their opponents to vary their midfield structure and said his own attacking options would allow him to select a different approach depending on the demands of the match.
“Celta is a dynamic team. Their players are mobile and often change formations. They can play with two defensive midfielders or one defensive midfielder and two central midfielders. We must adjust our tactics according to their style of play to apply effective pressure. I have enough attacking options to meet the demands of each different match. My responsibility is to analyze each match, evaluate the form of each player, and arrange the best combination in terms of creating threats, inter-line cooperation, and high pressing.”
The coach added that young players needed regular opportunities and could benefit from appearing for Real Sociedad B if first-team football was unlikely. However, he said those decisions would be made according to circumstances rather than through a fixed plan.
“Young players need playing opportunities. If I think some players won’t get a chance even if they are in the first-team squad, it would be better for them to play for Real Sociedad B. But this is not something I plan in advance; I will make flexible decisions based on the actual situation.”
