Real Madrid will look to maintain pressure on Barcelona at the top of the league table as they take on Real Sociedad this weekend.

The Los Blancos are currently sitting a point behind Barcelona, who were swept aside by Atletico Madrid in the Copa Del Rey this midweek.

Naturally, the confidence in the Barcelona camp will be low, giving Real Madrid an ideal opportunity to reclaim their position at the top with three points this weekend.

Heading into this game, Sociedad coach Pellegrino Matarazzo analysed Real Madrid under Alvaro Arbeloa, among other things.

Matarazzo on Real Madrid

First and foremost, Matarazzo was asked about facing Real Madrid shortly after an intense game against Athletic Club in the Copa Del Rey semifinals.

Talking about managing fatigue, the American said, “I need six players who can last the full 90 minutes, and we can substitute five, but we might make some changes.

“Hopefully, the match will also be very intense mentally, because even if you think you have Real Madrid under control, if there’s a difficult situation or you relax even a little, they’ll punish you.”

The Real Sociedad coach went on to admit it will be a difficult game against a Real Madrid team, which has shown positive momentum in La Liga matches.

“So it will be a very intense match for us mentally, and in that sense, I think we’re very well prepared. We have to press high at times, or we can also press low and counter-attack; it could be a combination of both,” he stated.

Matarazzo further admitted that he won’t be taking any risks with the health of his players, and the only players who will be playing against Real Madrid will be risk-free, in terms of injuries, having played four matches in eleven days.

“Yes, I’m fully aware of the risk of injury, and I’m not going to risk the health of a player who takes to the field tomorrow. Only players I’m certain are free of risk will play,” he said.

The former Hoffenheim and Stuttgart manager was notably asked what is it like to prepare for a match against Real Madrid, to which he couldn’t hold back respect for Los Blancos.

“It’s a match that’s all about precision, focus, staying concentrated for 90 minutes, leaving no room for error. Defensively, when they counter-attack because they have fast, skillful players, we have to be very disciplined.

“When we have the ball, we have to try to finish the play and create overloads to see how we can attack, but above all, finish the play and not lose possession easily. All these are key elements for tomorrow’s match, regardless of the formation and tactics,” he said.

He went on to talk about the experience of playing a match against Real Madrid in front of the Santiago Bernabeu.

“It’s my first time, so I’m excited. I’m talking to my colleagues and they tell me how impressive the stadium is and how it has the ability to make you feel small. It makes you feel small, and that’s something we have to keep in mind, our mentality,” he said.

“What I really liked about the last match at San Mamés is that we played bravely—I don’t like to use that word—but with real guts, and if you have that spirit, that flexibility, you can play your game.

“We know there are other solutions for each match and other phases of play with which we can also win, but the more we play our game, the more chances we’ll have against Real Madrid,” he added.

Matarazzo was also asked about preparing for a match against a team that has players like Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius, who are capable of altering the complexion of a game at any given moment.

The coach admitted stopping the two is part of Sociedad’s plans as they look to secure points against Real Madrid.

“Of course they alter it; it’s part of the plan, what we see, their strengths. We see how we approach each match, not only the structure of the opposing team, but also the qualities of their players,” he said.

Finally, Matarazzo offered his take on Real Sociedad’s chances against Real Madrid, especially after the club have managed to put together a decent run of unbeaten matches.

“We’re focused on tomorrow’s game, not yesterday’s; that’s in the past. What we have with us is the confidence, the knowledge, and the quality of our squad, the right mentality, but beyond that, results don’t matter anymore.

“Tomorrow we’re playing to get the best possible result, it doesn’t matter if it’s ten out of ten, the important thing is to win tomorrow, and that’s the job,” he concluded.

Source: Diario AS