Real Sociedad back at Zubieta as Matarazzo starts pre-season | OneFootball

Real Sociedad have returned to Zubieta to begin preparations for 2026/27, with Pellegrino Matarazzo overseeing his first pre-season. The opening session featured 28 players, excluding internationals, and focused on conditioning.

According to Diario Vasco, players underwent early-morning physical tests in small groups. The pre-season will run for six weeks, up to the La Liga opener scheduled for the weekend of 15 and 16 August at the Santiago Bernabéu against Real Madrid, though the start could be pushed back due to World Cup call-ups on both sides.

Those involved on day one included Remiro, Marrero, Rupérez, Odriozola, Aihen, Javi López, Zubeldia, Pacheco, Gorrotxategi, Soler, Zakharyan, Goti, Marín and Barrenetxea, among others. Brais Méndez also visited to bid farewell after his move to Columbus Crew was confirmed on Thursday.

Odriozola and Balda worked separately as they continue their recoveries. The American coach will have 16 first-team players and 12 from Sanse available this weekend, with the youngsters aiming to impress.

From Monday, internationals who did not play at the World Cup will rejoin. Jon Martín, Sergio Gómez and Beñat Turrientes are expected then, having formed part of a support group assembled by Luis de la Fuente for the national team’s preparations, while Jon Mikel Aramburu, Yangel Herrera and Orri Óskarsson are due back on Thursday after friendly duty with Venezuela and Iceland.

Real Sociedad will train through to next Sunday, their first rest day, with eight consecutive sessions planned. The first open session is on Sunday from 11:00 at pitch Z7, now renamed Estadio Zubieta, rather than José Luis Orbegozo. The week will close on Saturday 11 with a behind-closed-doors joint session with Pau of France’s second tier.

Source: Diario Vasco