Pellegrino Matarazzo aims higher than Copa as Real Sociedad target Champions push
Matarazzo insists Real Sociedad will pursue a top-five LaLiga finish and Champions qualification after Copa del Rey triumph, focusing on the Getafe clash and remaining league fixtures.
Pellegrino Matarazzo began his press conference by underlining that Sunday’s Copa del Rey victory is not the end goal for Real Sociedad but the starting point for a late-season push in LaLiga.
He said the club must build on the momentum of the cup win while treating the remaining seven league matches as decisive for both European placement and season-long confidence.
Matarazzo named tomorrow’s trip to Getafe as the immediate priority, stressing the need for focus, recovery and clear preparation after the final and the ensuing celebrations.
Matarazzo praises cup celebration and family support
Matarazzo described the Copa del Rey celebrations as an unforgettable moment that brought together thousands of supporters in San Sebastián.
He reflected on the personal side of the triumph, naming his wife, son and parents among those he thought of most during the celebrations.
The coach acknowledged the intensity of the public response since returning to the city but said he expects normal routines to resume in the coming days.
Squad recovery and training after a long week
Real Sociedad faced a demanding schedule that included 120 minutes and a penalty shootout in the cup final, followed by public festivities that extended into the week.
Matarazzo reported that most players returned to training on schedule, with the squad managing recovery work and tactical sessions to prepare for Getafe.
He emphasized that discipline around rest and preparation remained a priority to maintain performance levels across the final stretch of the league campaign.
Injury update: Gonçalo Guedes ruled out for Getafe
The coach confirmed that only Gonçalo Guedes will miss tomorrow’s fixture due to injury, clarifying the nature of the forward’s problems.
Guedes has been managing two separate issues: a fractured toe that he played through using local anaesthesia in the final, and an ankle sprain sustained during the penalty incident.
Matarazzo said the forward will need several days to recover, though Guedes has already expressed his desire to return for the upcoming match against Rayo Vallecano.
Goalkeeper roles clarified after the final
Matarazzo provided clarity on the goalkeeper situation, noting that Unai Marrero produced a standout performance in the cup final.
Despite Marrero’s heroics, the coach was explicit that Álex Remiro remains the established number one in LaLiga.
The manager framed the goalkeeping roles as settled but praised the depth and professionalism shown by both keepers during high-pressure moments.
Tactical outlook for the Getafe encounter
Matarazzo warned that Getafe will present a physical and aerial challenge, describing the opposition as intense and direct in their approach.
He underlined the need for readiness in duels, defensive transitions and set-piece situations, all areas where Getafe traditionally test opponents.
The coach said he expects his team to match that intensity and to execute a game plan that neutralizes long balls while exploiting spaces to create scoring chances.
Ambition to reach fifth and potential Champions berth
For the first time this season, Matarazzo publicly set a target of reaching fifth place in LaLiga, a position that could open the door to the Champions League qualifying route depending on European coefficients and cup winners.
He framed the remaining seven league matches as a distinct campaign within the season, important not only for qualification but for the psychological tone the squad will carry into the offseason.
Matarazzo also stressed that several players are competing for World Cup selection, adding another layer of motivation to maintain high standards across all fixtures.
Balancing competitions ahead of a congested campaign
Looking forward, Matarazzo acknowledged that winning the Copa del Rey raises expectations for the next campaign, when Real Sociedad will likely compete across multiple tournaments.
He said the club will aim to be competitive on every front and that squad rotation, physical preparation and strategic signings will be key to sustaining performance across an expanded calendar.
The coach implied that building depth remains a priority if the team is to balance domestic and European ambitions while preserving player welfare.
Real Sociedad’s manager mixed gratitude with ambition, treating the Copa del Rey as an enduring achievement while making clear that the club’s focus now returns to domestic league objectives.
He urged supporters to enjoy the milestone but signalled that standards and targets remain high as the club seeks to finish the season on a competitive note.
