Matarazzo plans seven changes ahead of trip to Málaga

Matarazzo is planning seven changes to his line-up and a tactical switch for the trip to Málaga in the ninth round of LaLiga. Real Sociedad return to league action after drawing in Belgium in midweek and previously beating Deportivo. This is the second of five league matches scheduled between international breaks. Their opponents, newly promoted Málaga, have yet to win.

Real Sociedad travel to Málaga looking to keep collecting points and establish themselves near the top of the table. The changes under consideration follow the match played in Lovaina. Matarazzo also confirmed that Yangel Herrera would not be available in Málaga because of calf discomfort. He said the club did not want to take a risk and could call on players from Sanse.

Matarazzo praised Gorrotxategi’s performance in Belgium, pointing to his mobility, defensive work and quality. He also said he had spoken with Orri Óskarsson, whom he sees as an option for the upcoming match. “If you are a professional and you are not playing, you have to be frustrated. That is what I expect from a player who is not playing. He is important and will get more minutes in the future,” he said.

The coach urged his team not to underestimate Málaga, despite their position and their difficulty scoring. “We want to win, but we know the opponent is difficult. We have to put in a good performance,” he stressed. He recalled Oviedo last season, when his team conceded three goals against an opponent at the bottom of the table. Matarazzo is therefore asking his players to be quick, direct and disciplined defensively.

The match also falls within Real Sociedad’s European run. Matarazzo said they would have to wait until next week’s match to assess the value of the point earned in Belgium. “We did not get any points against Bournemouth and got only one in Belgium; that was not what we wanted. In Norway next week, we feel we have to come back with the three points,” he explained. He nevertheless wants his side to show its best in Málaga and continue to improve in the league.