Matarazzo says Real Madrid a challenge but backs his side to compete | OneFootball

Pellegrino Matarazzo kept his cards close before Real Sociedad’s trip to the Bernabéu, calling Real Madrid a challenge while insisting his team believe in their quality. According to Diario Vasco, he refused to discuss Mamadou Sarr and preferred to focus on the match.

He has named 25 players, so Fraga and one other will be cut. One is carrying a knock, hence the larger group. Gonçalo Guedes returns after surgery and is fit to play, though his minutes are uncertain, while Ander Barrenetxea is also available.

Mikel Goti and Jon Karrikaburu are left out for technical reasons. Mikel Oyarzabal is building minutes, but Matarazzo would not say if he will start. Pablo Marín should be out for a few days, maybe a week, unlikely for Celta, and Jon Aramburu is ready to compete.

On right-back cover, he questioned the idea of a natural in that role, noting there may be no other experienced specialist, but others could fill in. He has also shifted Jon Martín to left centre-back with Igor Zubeldia on the right, and believes Martín is comfortable and effective there, even in a back three with Sergio.

Despite the opening defeat at Betis, Matarazzo said the team are prepared and excited. He praised Madrid’s organisation, pressing and new signings under a new coach, and called the game a test his side are ready to compete in. With less than 72 hours before Espanyol, any rotation will depend on who is healthy.

Source: Diario Vasco

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”