Matarazzo reveals the routine driving Real Sociedad's pre‑season plans

Real Sociedad under Matarazzo: a morning of discipline and detail

Real Sociedad is undergoing a pre‑season guided by Pellegrino Matarazzo, whose day starts at six with a walk along La Concha. The New Jersey‑born coach mixes early exercise and a cup of genmaicha to fuel up before leading the squad. In the final 2025 table, the club finished 10th in La Liga with 46 points (11 wins, 13 draws, 14 losses) and a recent run of 0 wins, 3 draws, 2 losses (DDDLL). It also recorded 59 goals scored and 61 conceded, sitting 48 points behind leaders Barcelona.

What does Matarazzo's training routine include?

After the walk, Matarazzo heads to Zubieta, listening to music and sometimes cycling. There he changes into Real Sociedad kit and brews genmaicha, while chef Jhonny Porto serves avocado toast and scrambled eggs. At nine he meets his assistants and addresses the squad in the video room, stressing tactical precision and structured pressing. The plan features defensive drills, pressing variations, and set‑piece work, aiming to fix the goals conceded last season.

Why does this approach matter for the campaign?

Matarazzo argues that clear ideas are essential to handle any scenario, especially with a tight schedule. With the league positioned 10th and the latest match ending 1‑1 against Espanyol (23 May 2026), the coach seeks greater consistency. Additionally, full‑back Álvaro Odriozola remains sidelined, forcing defensive adjustments. The goal is to test the team against high‑level opponents, like upcoming Europa League fixtures, to spot mistakes before official competition.

What lies ahead for Real Sociedad in the coming days?

After the morning session, lunch arrives at 13:30, followed by a video review of the friendly versus Racing. Tuesday’s training moves to the José Luis Orbegozo pitch at 15:00 to work on pressing and positioning. The day ends at 20:00 with a sponsor event, leaving Matarazzo satisfied: "It doesn’t feel like work, it’s a passion." With pre‑season in full swing, the club aims to climb the table and close the gap with Barcelona.