Matarazzo: "Europe demands more, we lacked sharpness and precision"

Matarazzo frustrated after Real Sociedad's draw with Lyon, citing lack of precision in attack and a soft goal conceded; top 8 finish still possible with four matches remaining.

Real Sociedad manager Imanol Matarazzo expressed frustration after his side drew with Lyon in the Europa League, believing they deserved all three points. He praised the team's defensive work and control, particularly in the second half, but lamented the lack of precision in the final pass and attacking execution. "We had good situations, especially in the second half with control and chances to create opportunities. Precision in the final pass was missing, it wasn't our best attacking performance today, but defensively it was good," Matarazzo said.

The manager was particularly critical of how easily the goal was conceded and highlighted missed opportunities in attack. He noted that Gonçalo had good positions receiving the ball from the goalkeeper, and there was space between Lyon's centre-backs that had been studied, but the passing was too slow to break through. Matarazzo also addressed squad rotation, explaining the absences of Soler (coronavirus), Sarr (calf injury at half-time), and Oyarzabal (back pain), as well as the decision to start Marín over Kubo.

On the top 8 objective in the Europa League, Matarazzo remained determined despite the setback. "Europe demands more, clearly. If you're not precise you don't score, if you concede at the back they score. It's complicated for the top 8, yes, but it's still possible.