Real Sociedad captain Mikel Oyarzabal has spoken about the squad’s profound debt to manager Pellegrino Matarazzo, who has successfully led the Txuri-Urdin to the Copa del Rey final once again, six years after their previous triumph. Oyarzabal is one of the few remaining players from the 2021 victorious team.
When questioned about his leadership role and responsibilities as captain, Oyarzabal emphasized the importance of maintaining composure. He also noted that age is not a definitive factor when it comes to experiencing nervousness before a significant match.
“Well, I try to convey calm, confidence, and security. What we need to do on the pitch is what we know how to do: play football and not overthink. Those of us who have been here longer might even feel more nervous than the younger players.”
“Very few of us are still here from that previous final; a great deal has changed. The support of the fans tomorrow will be crucial; it will help us. Hopefully, the outcome will be the same.”
Despite his role as a leader and setting the tone for the team, Oyarzabal candidly admitted to feeling nervous about the upcoming game. Matarazzo, too, had recently discussed strategies for managing nervous tension.
“I’m very proud. I’m nervous, I won’t lie, but I believe it’s a positive sign. It shows you still have enthusiasm and a strong desire. I’ll need to channel those nerves so they become a help rather than a hindrance.”
Homegrown Talent and Real Sociedad’s Identity
Oyarzabal, a product of Real Sociedad’s own Zubieta academy, was asked if having a significant number of homegrown players provides the team with an extra edge. He responded with heartfelt sentiment.
“For those of us who have been Real Sociedad fans our entire lives, who have supported the team and have been here for so many years, experiencing days like these is a dream come true. Being able to be here with teammates you’ve known for so long is a rare and special experience.”
‘We Owe Matarazzo a Great Deal’ – Oyarzabal’s Gratitude
Real Sociedad’s season has experienced a remarkable turnaround since the arrival of Matarazzo. The manager himself has acknowledged that neither he nor the club anticipated reaching the Copa del Rey final when he took the helm. Oyarzabal was quick to express his admiration for the American manager.
“We owe him a great deal. Since his arrival, things have changed significantly, and our gratitude goes without saying. This is also a day to honor all the coaches who have played a part in bringing us to this point.”
The Spanish striker is set to lead the line for La Real and is currently their top scorer this season, with 14 goals in 32 appearances. He is expected to be supported by Ander Barrenetxea and Goncalo Guedes, forming a dynamic forward line for Atletico to contend with.
English Translation:
Real Sociedad captain Mikel Oyarzabal stated that the squad feels deeply indebted to manager Pellegrino Matarazzo, who has guided the club back to the Copa del Rey final six years after their last appearance. Oyarzabal is among the few players who were part of the 2021 winning team.
When asked about his role as a leader and captain, Oyarzabal explained his responsibility to project calmness but also acknowledged that age doesn’t entirely negate nerves.
“Well, I try to convey calm, confidence, and security. What we have to do on the pitch is what we know how to do: play football and not overthink. Those of us who have been around longer might even be more nervous than the younger players.”
“Very few of us are still here from that final; a lot has changed. The fans’ support tomorrow is very important; that will help us. Hopefully, the result will be the same.”
Despite his leadership position and setting the team’s tone, Oyarzabal admitted to feeling nervous about the game. Matarazzo had previously spoken about finding effective ways to manage nervous tension.
“I’m very proud. I’m nervous, I won’t lie, but I think it’s a good thing. I think it shows that you still have enthusiasm and hunger. I’ll have to get rid of those nerves so they help, not hinder.”
Homegrown Contribution to the Real Sociedad Squad
Oyarzabal, who himself came through the Zubieta academy, was questioned about whether having so many homegrown players provides his team with an additional boost. He expressed his feelings passionately.
“For those of us who have been Real Sociedad fans all our lives, who have supported the team and have been here for so many years, experiencing days like these is a dream. Being able to be here with teammates you’ve known for so many years is something you rarely experience.”
‘We Owe Matarazzo a Great Deal’ – Oyarzabal
Real Sociedad’s season has seen a significant turnaround since the arrival of Matarazzo, who also admitted that neither he nor the club expected to be in the Copa del Rey final when he joined. Oyarzabal was pleased to praise the American manager.
“We owe him a great deal. Since his arrival, things have changed a lot, and it goes without saying how grateful we are. It’s also a day to remember all the coaches who have brought us to where we are today.”
The Spain striker will be leading the line for La Real, and is their top scorer this season with 14 goals in 32 appearances. He is expected to be flanked by Ander Barrenetxea and Goncalo Guedes, providing a mobile forward line for Atletico to deal with.
