This Sunday evening at San Mamés (kickoff at 9:00 p.m. on Dazn), fans are set to witness a fiercely anticipated Basque Derby, a contest steeped in history yet marked by two contrasting storylines. On one side, Real Sociedad arrives in peak form, rejuvenated under the guidance of Pellegrino Matarazzo, whose recent impact has transformed the team’s fortunes. On the other, Athletic Club faces a troubling slump in points and results, raising serious questions about the direction under Ernesto Valverde’s leadership. Beyond rivalry, this match is a vital test for two projects heading down very different paths — one riding high on confidence and momentum, the other trying to arrest a losing streak and restore stability.
Real Sociedad’s Resurgent Run Under Pellegrino Matarazzo
The Impact of Matarazzo’s Arrival
The transformation in Real Sociedad’s fortunes since Pellegrino Matarazzo took the helm has been nothing short of extraordinary. Prior to his arrival, the team was enduring a difficult spell under Sergio Francisco, with poor results and a sense of stagnation. Matarazzo, an American coach with a fresh outlook, managed to turn the team around swiftly. Since stepping into San Sebastián’s technical area, he has overseen a run of unbeaten matches in La Liga, avoiding defeat in games against top-tier opponents like Atlético Madrid, Getafe, Barcelona, and Celta Vigo. Response to this revitalization became even more evident when Sociedad secured their passage to the Copa del Rey quarter-finals with a penalty shootout victory over Osasuna.
Despite being relatively unknown within Spain’s coaching circles—having lapsed from managerial duties for over a year before his appointment—Matarazzo’s impact has been universally praised. His pragmatic approach and German-inspired discipline have breathed new life into a squad that looked discouraged and disorganized beforehand. His methods focus on clarity and consistency, traits that have resonated well with the players, leading to better performances and a newfound confidence.
Recognition and Future Prospects
Such a positive trajectory earned Matarazzo the ‘Best Coach of the Month’ award from La Liga, highlighting the significance of his arrival in a short space of time. Players like Álvaro Odriozola, once sidelined and underperforming, now appear revitalized, visibly embracing the tactical instructions and attacking with renewed vigor. Cowboy commentator and former Real Sociedad legend Imanol Alguacil pointed out that the coach’s pragmatic and detailed approach is a key factor in the team’s resurgence, emphasizing how a change at the top can drastically influence results and morale.
This turnaround signifies more than a lucky streak— it exemplifies how a coach’s philosophy and methods directly impact team performance. Matarazzo’s ability to inspire and motivate has restored confidence and ambition to a club that was looking increasingly uncertain earlier in the season.
Challenges and Struggles at Athletic Club
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Ernesto Valverde’s Difficult Period
By contrast, Athletic Club’s season has taken a noticeable downturn. Ernesto Valverde, the experienced coach who returned to Bilbao after successful stints elsewhere—including a prominent tenure at FC Barcelona—finds himself in perhaps his toughest position since rejoining Lezama. The team’s results have not met expectations, with a keepsake tally of just 24 points at the end of matchday 21, marking the second-lowest tally over Valverde’s decade-long tenure. In comparison, only the 2014-15 season, which coincided with their Champions League participation before ending in a lower total, ranks lower.
The team’s recent form has been particularly alarming. Since mid-December, Athletic has accumulated just a single point across five league fixtures, a stark contrast to their early-season performances where they earned nine points from the initial three matches. When evaluating the last 18 games, the team has garnered only 15 points— comparable to the relegation-threatened Real Oviedo, which underscores the severity of their slump.
The situation has sparked speculation among fans and analysts alike about whether Valverde’s tenure might be approaching its end. The club’s supporters and members are increasingly questioning if the coach has the backing needed to turn things around, especially given the high standards the club maintains.
The Coach’s Position and Support
Despite the mounting unease, Valverde’s position is not without support. The club’s board and current squad continue to back him, citing his previous successes and the stability he provides. Iñaki Williams, one of the team’s key players and captain, publicly defended Valverde, saying, “It’s hard to understand the criticism. The team is giving their all for him. He was the coach who led us to win a title after 40 years and to Champions League qualification. His track record speaks for itself, and it wouldn’t be fair to judge him solely based on this rough patch.”
When questioned about his confidence, Valverde responded with pragmatic realism. “Of course I have confidence. When you win, you’re happy, and when you lose, you’re less so. That’s football—when you lift a trophy, it’s not just you; it’s millions of fans. When you’re losing, the criticism comes with the territory. I’m here because I’ve achieved good results with Athletic. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be in this position,” he explained ahead of the derby.
While the sporting director and players uphold his leadership, the pressure remains palpable. The upcoming matches are crucial; a victory for Athletic could reignite their season, but defeat might further deepen the doubts surrounding Valverde’s future.
The Narrative of the Season: A Tale of Two Opposites
The Rise of Matarazzo’s Real Sociedad
The story of Pellegrino Matarazzo’s impact at Real Sociedad this season is remarkable. His arrival has marked a historic start, echoing the achievements of past coaching milestones like Toshack in 1985, Salva Iriarte in 1994, Lillo in 2008 (during their Segunda stint), and Imanol Alguacil in 2019. Matarazzo’s record—five unbeaten games at the outset—surpasses most recent arrivals and stands out as the best start for a new Sociedad coach since Iriarte’s tenure, which maintained an unbeaten streak for nine matches.
His success has also reignited individual performances, most notably with players like Álvaro Odriozola, who has responded with some of his best football after being sidelined previously. His influence extends beyond tactics, with players praising his clarity, pragmatism, and ability to bring out the best in them.
The Struggles and Uncertainty for Athletic
While Sociedad thrives and looks towards a potential season of success, Athletic’s current form paints a contrasting picture. The team, renowned for their battling spirit and deep community roots, faces an existential challenge. Despite having achieved notable successes in recent seasons, including a Copa del Rey victory and Champions League qualification, the current downturn threatens to derail their ambitions.
The coaching conundrum and recent results highlight a club at a crossroads: whether to continue trusting Valverde through the storm or to consider a shift in leadership. The upcoming derbies and decisive fixtures will be critical in shaping the narrative for the rest of the campaign, potentially determining whether Bilbao’s beloved team can reverse their fortunes or if a new chapter is about to begin.
As the Basque Derby approaches, the stage is set for a compelling chapter in both clubs’ histories—one of renewed hope at Sociedad and a sobering challenge for Athletic to restore their prestige.
