Matarazzo sees Carrera as an option for Real

“Carrera is a player with very clear qualities, who is always an option,” Matarazzo said. The coach highlighted the role Gorka Carrera could play in his choices, whether during a match or if circumstances lead him to change his starting line-up.

Matarazzo described a player who is aggressive when he gets into the area and has a chance to shoot. He also pointed to Carrera’s ambition and sharpness in those situations, qualities he said he had seen many times with Sanse and in training with his team. “He is a player we trust and someone to keep in mind for the future,” he added.

His comments come as the league resumes after a lengthy break. Matarazzo said the squad had been able to rest during the first week, before a test against Athletic, and then turn its attention back to the league. He said he was pleased with the work done over recent weeks and that the international players were fit and healthy.

The fitness update was mixed. Héctor completed a full training session with the group for the first time and is an option for the following day, although Matarazzo cautioned that he might not be available for long. Marchal, who had been ill during the week, had also just completed his first full session with the team. Aramburu, by contrast, will miss matches after experiencing a soleus problem in training. Matarazzo said he hoped to see him back soon. Igor is fit and able to play, the coach said.

Matarazzo also outlined the team’s immediate aims: collect points, improve performances and build confidence. A place in the European positions is not his focus right now, he said, although Real want to be there at the end. Against a powerful newly promoted side, which he considers strong despite Aubameyang’s absence, Matarazzo stressed the need to be ready to compete and praised the opponent’s clear playing ideas.