Erik Bretos earns his stripes as Real claim fourth Copa del Rey | OneFootball

Real Sociedad’s fourth Copa del Rey, clinched at La Cartuja, has elevated the players and dugout while spotlighting sporting director Erik Bretos’ influence from behind the scenes.

According to Diario Vasco, Bretos took full charge of the sporting department after Roberto Olabe’s tenure ended, the latter now leading Aston Villa’s football operation. It was the most seamless option, as Bretos had been Olabe’s deputy and head of Professional Football and Scouting since 2018. He spoke of an unforgettable weekend and the sight of Gipuzkoa awash with Real shirts and flags.

His stewardship has not dodged difficult moments. In winter he replaced Sergio Francisco with Pellegrino Matarazzo, a move he called tough but necessary after December’s dip, arguing fresh air was required. He added that the recruitment team already knew Matarazzo’s sides and believed he brought many of the qualities they needed.

In his first summer in the role he signed Guedes, Carlos Soler, Yangel Herrera and Caleta-Car, and moved on Martin Zubimendi, Umar Sadiq, Urko, Javi López, Pacheco and Carlos Fernández. In January he secured a loan for Wesley Ribeiro from Al-Nassr following injuries to Barrenetxea and Kubo.

Bretos frames the model as non-negotiable, a balance between the global market and Zubieta’s talent stream. He underlined the final’s symbolism by pointing to Pablo as pure Zubieta and voiced strong faith in goalkeeper Unai, saying the latter has proved himself.

A University of Navarra Journalism graduate, Bretos studied the game obsessively and played as a midfield playmaker for Vasconia and San Ignacio. He earned sporting director and national coaching licences in Las Rozas, worked at Eibar, then joined La Real in 2013, stepping up in 2014 as David Moyes’ translator and assistant.

Source: Diario Vasco