Matarazzo sets 4 July return for Real Sociedad, first open session on 5 July | OneFootball

Real Sociedad will report back for pre-season on Saturday 4 July at Zubieta, the club said in a statement, starting a little over six weeks of training and friendlies.

Players will undergo routine medical and fitness tests on day one after their holidays. On Sunday 5 July, the first full session will be open to supporters and media, with the time and pitch to be confirmed. The start date also falls on US Independence Day and on Imanol Alguacil’s 55th birthday.

The start will be partial for Pellegrino Matarazzo’s first full campaign in charge. World Cup players Oyarzabal, Sucic, Kubo and Guedes will be missing. Aramburu and Óskarsson may also be away on friendly duty with Venezuela and Iceland, while Spain reserves Jon Martín, Turrientes and Sergio Gómez are currently training with the national team.

The club have not confirmed the number of friendlies or opponents. One is likely to be Athletic Club, given the Euskal Herria Txapela between last season’s two highest-placed Basque sides. The opening league weekend is planned for 15-16 August, and early fixtures could be played on Friday 14, although nothing is confirmed.

A week-long training camp outside Gipuzkoa is also planned during pre-season, with details to follow. Matarazzo wants the squad to spend time away from their usual Zubieta environment to build cohesion.

Source: Diario Vasco