Real Sociedad
When Mikel Oyarzabal plays for Spain, he becomes one of the most effective players in international football.
At Real Sociedad he is a symbol and a reliable forward. With Spain, however, he is like a superhero’s cape.
Artificial intelligence had told the president of Real Sociedad that hiring Pellegrino Matarazzo would be a mistake, but then it corrected itself.
The sporting director Erik Bretos was pushing to hire the former Stuttgart coach, and in the end, he was right.
Real Sociedad has won the Copa del Rey thanks to the contribution of 13 players raised in the youth academy.
Even the final against Atlético Madrid, it is no coincidence to say, was decided by four homegrown players.
By leading Real Sociedad to win the Copa del Rey, Pellegrino Matarazzo has become the first American coach to win a title with a team from the top five leagues in Europe.
The success in the final against Atlético Madrid could impact the perception of USA coaches in elite soccer.