San Sebastián, Spain – Mikel Oyarzabal, captain of Real Sociedad, acknowledges that a return to the Champions League is within reach for the club, stating, “The Champions League is there and not far away, and we all would like to achieve that, but we have to go little by little.” The forward’s comments come as Real Sociedad experiences a resurgence under fresh manager Igor Matarazzo, shifting the narrative from a potential relegation battle to a legitimate push for European qualification.
Oyarzabal’s assessment reflects a growing optimism within the team, a sentiment fueled by recent results and a renewed sense of confidence. The club’s recent struggles, particularly a disappointing performance at Villarreal, are now viewed as a turning point rather than a harbinger of further decline. “I think the team is good,” Oyarzabal explained. “Obviously, the other day at Villarreal wasn’t our best day, we weren’t good and we are aware of that, but I think the team has changed. It’s improved, everything is better, and we are eager to continue in that dynamic.”
The arrival of Matarazzo appears to be the catalyst for this transformation. Oyarzabal highlighted the significant impact the manager has had on the squad, both in terms of results and overall atmosphere. “Since Rino arrived, the truth is he’s changed everything: results, sensations… I think everyone sees it, not just from the outside, but from within we are also aware of it, and we are happy to have turned the situation around.” This shift in momentum has demonstrably boosted the team’s confidence, creating a positive feedback loop where improved performance breeds further belief.
Real Sociedad’s tactical approach has also evolved, demonstrating a greater willingness to play more directly, supplementing their traditional possession-based style. Oyarzabal emphasized the importance of adaptability. “I think it’s about knowing how to combine many ways and it depends on the moment. We shouldn’t diminish the merit or importance of what has been achieved in the last six or seven years, with the continuity that has been achieved and having achieved many successes. I think that has been done in a remarkably defined way, but now it is important to also seize advantage of the characteristics of the new people who come, what the coach asks for and what he likes. Take advantage of that and, with the good that we already had, build a good mix.”
The change in management wasn’t without its difficult moments, particularly regarding the departure of former coach Sergio Francisco. Oyarzabal acknowledged the team’s collective responsibility for the previous struggles. “It’s clear that it’s easier to remove one [the coach] than to remove 25 players. But we are aware that beyond Sergio, we were also responsible and had a lot to do with how things were going. We didn’t manage to find the key or get things to go our way, and we are the first to feel bad when things don’t go well. Especially when it’s a coach who has been at the club for many years, who has given a lot to the youth categories and the reserve team, and who had the opportunity to coach the first team, to be in the elite. When things don’t go well, everyone feels it.”
Matarazzo’s impact extends beyond tactical adjustments; his approachable demeanor and emphasis on normalcy have resonated with the players. “He’s a normal person who, obviously, when he has to push us and comment on things, he does. But then, in everyday life, it’s as if he were just another teammate within Zubieta [Real Sociedad’s training facility]. I think it’s his naturalness, his way of doing things beyond football, and that he has also settled in well in what is Real and Donostia, so we are all very happy.”
The manager’s meticulous preparation and ability to anticipate game situations are also earning praise. Oyarzabal noted that Matarazzo’s training sessions often mirror scenarios that unfold during matches. “Well, I think everyone does that and today we work on what is going to happen on the weekend, but then I don’t know how to call it: if it’s that point of luck or accuracy in punctual situations that happen yes or yes. I think it speaks well of him that what is done during the week serves for the weekend, that everyone has clear what they have to do in the match and that they carry out the plan, which can then go better or worse, but that what is in your head is reflected on the field.”
This preparation was evident in recent matches, such as the encounter against Osasuna, where the team successfully executed pre-planned plays. “Yes, well, those are things that are trained and worked on, and that are seen. Depending on what the rival does, their strengths and weaknesses, you endeavor to do one thing or another. They had told us about it and then different situations arise in the match depending on the moment, due to the fact that you can foresee something, but football is what we like so much because it is often unpredictable. No matter how much you work on it, a thousand situations can arise. But it is true that we had talked about it and they happened.”
Oyarzabal also praised Matarazzo’s leadership qualities and his ability to connect with the players. “No, well, in the end he spoke with me and with other teammates as well, and he saw a little what the situation was, what our feelings were and what we thought about how things were going. He told us what his idea was, his intention to work and do things. I think when everything is talked about and everyone understands each other, it is easier for everything to go better.”
The captain’s personal form has also been impressive, highlighted by a remarkable individual performance against Celta, where he was awarded a perfect 10 rating. “Well, it was a complicated match in which things got a little difficult with the expulsion, but I think at that moment we knew what we had to do, how to defend and that we had to try to take advantage of individual situations, because with one less it is always difficult. I was lucky that things went well, that it fell to me and that we were able to win.”
Looking ahead, Oyarzabal remains grounded despite the growing excitement surrounding a potential Champions League qualification. “Well, we already know how this works. Two months ago we were talking about relegation and now, after winning and being not far away, everyone wants to look up. It is there, that it is not far away and that we all would like to achieve that, but I think we have to go little by little, with our feet on the ground, as we have done so far: thinking about each rival, each weekend, how we can hurt them and get the three points, and then look up.”
Oyarzabal vividly remembers his previous experience in the Champions League, describing the unique atmosphere and intensity of the competition. “Yes, the truth is that it’s another story. I think I will never forget the first match at home against Inter. For how the previous one was and how the match started, which we even started winning… The general feeling of a competition like that is unique. Also, in the club of your life, where we have grown up, it makes it even more special.”
Whereas the Champions League remains the ultimate goal, Oyarzabal acknowledges that the Europa League and Conference League are also viable options. “I think in these types of competitions you always have a point of luck in the draws. We had the possibility of finishing first in the group in the Champions League and in the next round we were drawn against a team like PSG. Last year we also had bad luck: you pass the preliminary round and you are drawn against one or the other, and it turns out that they were the two finalists of the Europa League. So, well, I think the Europa League and the Conference League are a step below the Champions League, as is logical, but they are competitions in which it is also very difficult and there are teams of great level.”
Real Sociedad’s next challenge is a La Liga fixture against [Opponent to be determined – check official sources], a match that will further test their credentials and solidify their position in the league table. The team will undoubtedly be looking to build on their recent momentum and continue their pursuit of a coveted Champions League spot.
Stay tuned to Archysport for further updates on Real Sociedad’s season and the latest developments in La Liga.
