Matarazzo sets sights on Europa League push with Real Sociedad | OneFootball

American coach Pellegrino Matarazzo enters the Europa League with Real Sociedad, returning to continental action after only four matches of experience and a clear appetite to aim high.

His first taste came with Hoffenheim in 2024-25, a group stage that did not lead to the knockouts. He managed one win against Dinamo Kiev, two draws with Midtjylland and Lyon, and a defeat to Porto.

Those outings offered a grounding and left unfinished business he now looks to address at Real Sociedad. The New Jersey-born coach, 48, views this return as a chance to consolidate himself on a prominent European stage.

"After winning the Cup final, the first thing I looked up was: where is the Europa League final? It is in Frankfurt, an hour from my home," said Pellegrino Matarazzo. He told the Men in Blazers podcast this in May, days after qualification was sealed by lifting the Copa del Rey with Real.

With that target marked on the calendar, the campaign opens on Thursday, and the journey will reveal how far this new project can go.

Source: AS

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