Matarazzo signs new Real Sociedad deal to 2028 | OneFootball

Real Sociedad have extended head coach Pellegrino Matarazzo’s contract to 2028, the club said in a statement. The new deal adds one season to his previous agreement.

Matarazzo took over in late December after Sergio Francisco’s dismissal, with the side in the relegation places and short on confidence. Results improved, and at one stage they were close to the fifth place that would have meant Champions League football next season.

They went on to lift the Copa del Rey against Atlético de Madrid at La Cartuja, securing Europa League qualification, then finished 10th on 46 points after a flat run-in.

His backroom staff remains largely intact. Analyst José Rodríguez departs, with Iñigo Villamía arriving after roles as assistant with Switzerland’s women and head of analysis at Barcelona Femení. John Maisano and Omer Toprak continue as assistants, with fitness coach Oier Agirrezabalaga, goalkeeping coach Jon Alemán, and head of analysis Xabier Ruiz de Ocenda alongside analyst Héctor Ibáñez.

The American coach emphasises mentality and constant improvement, and accepts a high bar and pressure. He is excited about competing across La Liga, Copa del Rey, Supercopa and the Europa League, and wants to give everything to pursue maximum success in each. The renewal is framed as a long-term project centred on humility, values, hard work and Zubieta.

Source: AS