Real Sociedad captain Mikel Oyarzabal has voiced his team’s significant debt of gratitude to manager Pellegrino Matarazzo, crediting him with their return to the Copa del Rey final six years after their previous victory. Oyarzabal is one of the few remaining players from that 2021 winning squad.
When asked about his leadership role and captaincy, Oyarzabal stated that his responsibility is to project composure, but acknowledged that age doesn’t negate nervousness. He explained, “I try to convey calm, confidence, security… What we have to do on the pitch is what we know how to do: play football and not think. Those of us who have been around longer might even be more nervous than the younger players.”
Reflecting on the current squad compared to the 2021 finalists, Oyarzabal noted, “Very few of us are here from that final; a lot has changed. The support of the fans tomorrow is very important; that will help us. Hopefully, the result will be the same.” Despite his leadership position, Oyarzabal confessed to feeling nervous about the upcoming game. Matarazzo had previously addressed the importance of managing 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 Boosts Real Sociedad
Oyarzabal, a product of Real Sociedad’s own Zubieta academy, was queried about the impact of having numerous homegrown players in the squad. He responded enthusiastically, “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 experienced a remarkable turnaround since Matarazzo’s arrival. The manager himself admitted that neither he nor the club anticipated reaching the Copa del Rey final upon his appointment. Oyarzabal was effusive in his praise for the American manager, stating, “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 Spanish international 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 attacking trio for Atletico to contend with.
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English Translation:
Real Sociedad captain Mikel Oyarzabal has expressed that the squad feels deeply indebted to manager Pellegrino Matarazzo, who has guided “Txuri-Urdin” back to the Copa del Rey final after a six-year gap. Oyarzabal is one of the few remaining players from the 2021 championship-winning team.
When questioned about his leadership and captaincy, Oyarzabal conveyed that his role is to project calmness, but he noted that age is not a definitive factor in managing nerves. He stated, “Well, I try to convey calm, confidence, security… What we need to do on the field is what we know how to do: play football and not overthink. Perhaps those of us who have been here longer are even more nervous than the younger players.”
“Very few of us are present from that final; much has changed. The fans’ support tomorrow will be crucial; it will assist us. Hopefully, the outcome will be the same.”
Despite acting as the leader and setting the team’s tone, Oyarzabal admitted to feeling nervous about the match. Matarazzo had spoken about finding effective ways to channel nervous energy shortly before.
“I am very proud. I am nervous, I won’t lie, but I believe it’s a positive sign. I think it indicates you still possess enthusiasm and a drive to succeed. I will need to manage these nerves so they are beneficial rather than detrimental.”
Homegrown Talent Fuels Real Sociedad’s Squad
Oyarzabal, who himself graduated from the Zubieta academy, was asked if having so many homegrown players provides his team with an added advantage. He replied, “For those of us who have been lifelong Real Sociedad supporters, who have backed the team and have been here for 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 that happens very rarely.”
‘We owe Matarazzo a great deal’ – Oyarzabal
Real Sociedad’s season has seen a significant transformation since Matarazzo’s appointment. He also acknowledged that neither he nor the club anticipated reaching the Copa del Rey final when he took charge. Oyarzabal was pleased to laud the American manager.
“We owe him a significant amount. Since he arrived, things have changed considerably, and it goes without saying how appreciative we are. It is also a day to honor all the coaches who have brought us to our current position.”
The Spain international is expected to lead the attack for La Real and is their leading scorer this season with 14 goals in 32 appearances. He is anticipated to be joined by Ander Barrenetxea and Goncalo Guedes, forming a mobile forward line for Atletico to contend with.
