This weekend, Real Madrid will aim to keep the pressure on Barcelona at the top of the league standings as they face Real Sociedad.
The Los Blancos currently trail Barcelona by just one point, who recently experienced a setback after being defeated by Atletico Madrid in the Copa Del Rey earlier this week.
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With Barcelona’s confidence potentially shaken, Real Madrid sees a prime opportunity to reclaim the top position by securing three points this weekend.
As they prepare for this matchup, Sociedad’s coach, Pellegrino Matarazzo, shared insights on facing Real Madrid under the management of Alvaro Arbeloa.
Matarazzo on Real Madrid
Matarazzo was first asked about the challenge of facing Real Madrid right after an intense encounter against Athletic Club in the Copa Del Rey semifinals.
On managing player fatigue, he stated, “I need six players who can last the full 90 minutes, and while we can substitute five, we might opt for some changes.”
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“I hope the match will also be mentally intense, because even if you think you have Real Madrid under control, a momentary lapse could lead to punishment,” he added.
“It will be a very intense match for us mentally, and I believe we are well-prepared. We have to apply high pressure at times, or we may choose to drop back and counter-attack; a combination of both could be our strategy,” he remarked.
Matarazzo made it clear that he will prioritize the health of his players, ensuring that only those who are free of injury risks will participate, especially after four matches in just eleven days.
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“I’m fully aware of the risk of injury, and I won’t jeopardize the health of any player taking the field tomorrow. Only players I’m sure are free of risk will play,” he affirmed.
The former Hoffenheim and Stuttgart manager expressed his respect for Los Blancos when asked about preparing for a match against such a prestigious opponent.
“This match requires precision, focus, and concentration for the entire 90 minutes, with no room for error. We must be disciplined defensively, especially when they counter-attack with their quick, skilled players,” he said.
Matarazzo is prepared for the upcoming contest against Real Madrid. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
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“When we have possession, we must seek to finish our plays and create overloads to attack efficiently, while minimizing possession losses. These elements are crucial for tomorrow’s match, regardless of our formation and tactics,” he emphasized.
He reflected on the experience of playing at Santiago Bernabeu for the first time.
“This is my first time, and I’m really looking forward to it. I’ve heard from colleagues about how impressive the stadium is and how it can make you feel small, which is something we must keep in mind in terms of mentality,” he stated.
“What I appreciated about our last match at San Mamés was our bravery—we played with real guts. If you have that spirit and flexibility, you can play your game,” he added.
“We know there are multiple solutions for each match and different phases of play that can lead to victory, but the more we stick to our game plan, the better our chances against Real Madrid,” he concluded.
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Matarazzo was also asked about the challenge of preparing for players like Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius, who can change the dynamics of the game at any moment.
He acknowledged that neutralizing them is part of Sociedad’s strategy to secure points against Real Madrid.
“They undoubtedly have the ability to alter the game; that’s part of our planning. We not only consider the opposing team’s structure but also the strengths of their players,” he said.
Lastly, Matarazzo spoke about Real Sociedad’s prospects against Real Madrid, especially given their current unbeaten streak.
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“We’re concentrating on tomorrow’s match, not our past performances; that’s behind us. What’s important is the confidence, knowledge, and quality within our squad, along with the right mentality. Nonetheless, results from previous games hold no significance now,” he emphasized.
“Tomorrow, we aim to achieve the best possible result, regardless of our past success. The priority is winning, and that’s our mission,” he concluded.
Source: Diario AS