Matarazzo’s experiments set to shape Real Sociedad’s squad for next season | OneFootball

Real Sociedad have sealed Europa League qualification after winning the Copa del Rey, and Pellegrino Matarazzo is using the run-in to trial combinations for next season.

The trend of scoring freely but conceding too returned at Anoeta on Saturday, as they came from 0-2 against Betis to draw 2-2. AS notes the American coach is assessing options in these games.

Matarazzo said that when trailing he does not mind chaos, he wants his team to change momentum and believe they can win. He called it more positive than negative, but admitted they need better defensive stability and to concede fewer in this second half of LaLiga. He also acknowledged their position owes much to attacking efficiency.

Late on he has packed attackers, using Mikel Oyarzabal, Orri Óskarsson, Ander Barrenetxea, Take Kubo, Wesley Gassova and Gorka Carrera. The aim is to decide who counts next term, while Arsen Zakharyan has not featured and Brais Méndez has lost influence, hinting at summer exits.

Aritz Elustondo will depart and Duje Caleta-Car looks unlikely to stay, so alternatives are required after a leakier second half. Up front, Kubo’s future is uncertain, and it would be logical if Gassova did not continue after his December arrival.

Reinforcements could come from Sanse, who virtually secured safety by beating Huesca yesterday. With three league games left for trials, planning will then turn to league, cup, Europe and the Supercopa, with Real Sociedad B staying in the second tier.

Source: AS