Real Sociedad captain Mikel Oyarzabal has stated that the squad feels a deep sense of gratitude towards manager Pellegrino Matarazzo for leading them back to the Copa del Rey final after a six-year absence. Oyarzabal is among the few players still with the team from their 2021 victory.
When questioned about his leadership role, Oyarzabal emphasized the importance of projecting calmness and confidence on the field, suggesting that experience doesn’t necessarily diminish nerves. He noted, “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 final, Oyarzabal acknowledged significant changes and stressed the vital role of fan support: “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 admitted to feeling nervous about the upcoming match. He sees this as a positive sign of his continued enthusiasm and drive. “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 talent is a key ingredient for Real Sociedad
Oyarzabal, a product of Real Sociedad’s Zubieta academy, believes that having a strong contingent of homegrown players provides the team with an extra emotional boost. He shared, “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 remarkable turnaround since Pellegrino Matarazzo took the helm. Matarazzo himself has acknowledged that neither he nor the club anticipated reaching the Copa del Rey final upon his arrival. Oyarzabal was effusive in his praise for 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.”
As the team’s top scorer this season with 14 goals in 32 appearances, the Spain international is expected to lead Real Sociedad’s attack. He will likely 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 has said the squad are indebted to manager Pellegrino Matarazzo, who has guided the Txuri-Urdin back to the Copa del Rey final six seasons later. The 28-year-old is one of the few remaining members of the 2021 winners.
Asked about his role as a leader and the captain of the side, Oyarzabal siad it was his job to be composed, but that age wasn’t altogether relevant when it comes to nerves.
“Well, 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.”
“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 acting as the leader, and setting the tone, Oyarzabal admitted that he was nervous about the game. Matarazzo spoke about finding the right outlets for nervous tension shortly after.
“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 Real Sociedad squad
Oyarzabal, who of course came through the Zubieta academy himself, was asked if it gave his side an extra boost to have so many homegrown players.
“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 major 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 arrived. Oyarzabal was happy 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.
