Pellegrino Matarazzo: the American coach who changed everything
Since his mid-season arrival at Real Sociedad, Matarazzo has revitalized the LaLiga team. “It’s just the beginning,” he declares.
Following a thrilling final in Seville, Real Sociedad have lifted the Copa del Rey for the fourth time in their history, having edged Atlético Madrid on penalties after a 2-2 draw at the Estadio de la Cartuja. The victory not only adds major silverware to the Basque club’s trophy cabinet, but also secures qualification for European competition and earns the club a place in the Spanish Super Cup. It is a triumph that marks the culmination of La Real’s dramatic turnaround under head coach Pellegrino Matarazzo.
Hired last December, Matarazzo arrived in San Sebastián with the Txuri-Urdin stuck near the bottom of the Spanish league table and mired in a poor run of results.
Since the American’s appointment, however, La Real have been a team transformed. They now sit seventh in LaLiga with 42 points, remain unbeaten at the Reale Arena throughout 2026, and have suffered just three defeats on the road in that span. After lifting the Copa del Rey trophy in Seville, the club will now turn its attention to securing a Champions League place: La Real lie just four points off fifth position - a spot that could be enough to secure a ticket to Europe’s premier competition by season’s end.
“Just the beginning”
The coach’s work has helped restore the competitive edge of players such as Carlos Soler, Gonçalo Guedes and Beñat Turrientes, all of whom played decisive roles in the cup-winning run. Matarazzo’s tactical system has brought confidence back to a squad that only months ago was flirting with the relegation zone.
Smart man-management and tactical balance have been the foundations of this resurgence, carrying the club from institutional uncertainty to the celebration of another trophy.
After beating Atlético in Andalusia, Matarazzo vowed: “It’s just the beginning.” He now leads his team into the season run-in having amply met his core goals - and with sights set on rising yet further up the LaLiga table.
Watch - Matarazzo masterminds Copa glory:
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