Pellegrino Matarazzo, the mathematician guiding Real Sociedad towards a fourth Copa | OneFootball

Pellegrino Matarazzo’s much-discussed effect faces its first major test at La Cartuja, with Real Sociedad chasing a fourth Copa del Rey. The American coach, an Applied Mathematics graduate from Columbia University in Manhattan, brings numbers-informed thinking and an affable 1.96m presence to the touchline.

He has taken to San Sebastián, the club’s identity and the Anoeta crowd with ease, his dog walks by Santa Clara island feeding quiet reflection. According to AS, he has signed with Real Sociedad until June 2027.

Born in Wayne, New Jersey in 1977 and of unmistakable Italian roots, Matarazzo built his playing and coaching career in Germany. After youth work at Nuremberg, he took charge of Stuttgart in December 2019 in the second tier and won promotion. He then oversaw two Bundesliga seasons before being dismissed in October 2022.

He joined Hoffenheim in February 2023 with the team in crisis and kept them up. In 23-24 he qualified them for the Europa League, then was sacked in November of 2024-25. He did not return to the dugout until this Real Sociedad chance.

Replacing Sergio Francisco, the manager stayed unbeaten through his first four matches and kept a steady tempo to reach this final, while in La Liga the target is to return to Europe. Beyond results, he has restored belief and a deep commitment across the squad. Turrientes, Guedes and Soler have regained their best form.

Source: AS