Real Sociedad have switched to Europa League mode without allowing themselves a single day off after their draw with Espanyol. Pellegrino Matarazzo's technical staff have designed an intensive schedule that started this Monday at Zubieta to prepare for their Europa League group stage debut.
The txuri urdin squad completed their first training session this morning at the Zubieta complex. The session was split into two groups: starters from the last match did recovery work, while substitutes and players not called up did load compensation. Three players who were on the bench, Olasagasti, Fraga and Marcal, did take part in the training.
Captain Igor Zubeldia was the most notable absence from the session, with Álvaro Odriozola also remaining on the injured list. The team, sitting 12th in La Liga with 7 points from a possible 18, are looking to turn their fortunes around in continental competition.
The week's schedule
The schedule designed by Matarazzo and his staff is demanding. After Monday's session at 12:00, Tuesday and Wednesday have two more morning training sessions scheduled for 11:00 at Zubieta. Everything points towards the main objective: Thursday at 21:00 at the Reale Arena, against AFC Bournemouth. The team approaches this commitment on a run of five league games without a win, with three draws and two defeats, a record reflected in their position in the standings.
"With no time for lament, the technical staff has designed a roadmap without a single day of rest to face the Europa League group stage debut in optimal conditions," explained a club spokesperson.
After the European debut, Real will refocus on La Liga with a tough trip to Mendizorrotza to face third-placed Alaves on the 10th of January. Details of upcoming fixtures are available in our fixtures calendar.
The report in full is at Mundo Deportivo
