Oyarzabal puts the team’s results ahead of his goal drought

“If you get home and your son tells you that you scored and won, you forget about it,” Mikel Oyarzabal says of his spell without a goal. The Real Sociedad forward will mark 11 years since his debut for the club on Sunday, but says his individual numbers are not his priority. He is pleased with the previous day’s victory, which moved the team forward in the standings.

“I’m happy with the win, which allows us to take a step forward in the table. I don’t mind not scoring if others do, as long as things are going well for the team,” he says. Oyarzabal adds that he will always look for ways to contribute, whether through goals, assists or hard work. He was asked about the period in which he had gone without scoring and had been less prominent.

The player says he can put individual performances into perspective once he gets home. “When you’re competing, it’s obviously very important, but you shouldn’t drive yourself mad over it. […] If you get home after a poor match and your son tells you that you scored and won, often the rest doesn’t matter; you forget about it,” he says. His words underline the place he gives to family life without denying football’s importance while he is on the pitch.

Oyarzabal also highlights the value of the atmosphere within the squad. “Having a group where you feel comfortable and enjoy each day, with a healthy environment, is important,” he says. He points to the challenge of keeping all 25 players involved, including those who feel they are not getting enough minutes or deserve more opportunities. In his view, that collective commitment matters if the season is to go well.

Real Sociedad are fifth in LaLiga and have the opportunity to reach the Europa League’s top eight after their win in Lillestrom. Oyarzabal points to the team’s strong form under Matarazzo. He also refers to Real’s effectiveness in front of goal and says the players must keep working to return to periods when the team played with greater confidence. On Sunday, he will mark the anniversary of his debut as Real Sociedad prepare to face Levante.