The decision to appoint Matarazzo, then a virtual unknown in Spain, probably took even Aperribay by surprise. “I didn’t know him,” the Real Sociedad president admitted to Cadena SER after the cup final victory. He also revealed, “I asked the AI whether he would be a good manager for Real Sociedad. It told me no.” Fortunately, Aperribay ignored the algorithm and trusted sporting director Erik Bretos, who had endorsed the former Bundesliga coach of VfB Stuttgart (December 2019–October 2022) and TSG Hoffenheim (February 2023–November 2024).
Matarazzo impressed him at their first meeting, “because he knew everything about everyone. He had an impressive analysis of Real Sociedad,” praised Aperribay, who ultimately approved the appointment after five discussions. Matarazzo was presented on 21 December, 13 months after his departure from Hoffenheim.
During his time out of the game, he reflected on earlier setbacks, telling The Athletic, “I used to overload players with information. I’ve since learned to be selective and tailor my approach so they can bring their energy to the pitch without overthinking.” “Clarity is crucial—whether it’s verticality, line-breaking, positional play, pressing triggers or overall principles—but if players have too much in their heads, they can’t act instinctively,” he explained.
Clarity in instructions, but at the same time giving the players freedom to make their own decisions on the pitch. With these two cornerstones, Matarazzo has succeeded in “finding very good solutions to restore a winning mentality to this team and get it back on the road to success”. The Copa triumph brought the narrative full circle: Matarazzo’s Real Sociedad chapter began in early January with a 1–1 draw against Atlético, a result that hinted at progress.
Four consecutive victories then followed, two of them particularly memorable. The first of those victories required bold luck: in the round of 16 at home to Osasuna, Real Sociedad were 0-2 down with 15 minutes left. Benat Turrientes pulled one back, and Igor Zubeldia forced extra time with a late equaliser; Real Sociedad eventually prevailed on penalties.
The second standout win came a few days later, a 2-1 defeat of defending champions FC Barcelona, with goals from Oyarzabal and Goncalo Guedes. Those results provided the bedrock for Matarazzo’s highly successful first four months in San Sebastián. In 20 matches under his command, Real Sociedad have lost only four times: all on the road against elite LaLiga opposition—Real Madrid, Atlético (in the return leg) and Villarreal. The first unexpected defeat finally arrived on Wednesday, when—just two days after the city’s cup celebrations—Real Sociedad slipped to a surprise 0-1 loss at Getafe.
