Poliki, Poliki: How Pellegrino Matarazzo's Journey from New Jersey Could Deliver Copa del Rey Glory

From Relegation Fears to Cup Final Cheers

In January, Real Sociedad was in crisis. A dismal start to the LaLiga season had the historic Basque club hovering just a point above the relegation zone, prompting headlines of a team "sunk" and "unresponsive." Four months later, under the guidance of a previously unknown coach from New Jersey, they stand on the brink of history, preparing for Sunday's Copa del Rey final.

The architect of this stunning turnaround is Pellegrino Matarazzo. When the 48-year-old American arrived at the Anoeta in early January, he was an unknown quantity in Spanish football—a graduate in applied mathematics who had been out of work for over a year after coaching stints in Germany's Bundesliga. The skepticism was palpable.

"We needed someone to revive the team, the talent we know they have," club sporting director Erik Bretos told ESPN.

A Basque Mantra for an American Coach

Matarazzo's philosophy is encapsulated in a simple Basque phrase: "Poliki, poliki," meaning slowly, step by step. The results, however, have been anything but slow. His tenure began with a draw against Atlético Madrid, followed by seven wins in the next eight matches—including a dramatic victory over Barcelona. The club has not only climbed clear of danger but now finds itself on the cusp of UEFA Champions League qualification and, more immediately, a cup final after defeating fierce Basque rivals Athletic Club.

Roots in New Jersey, Heart in Naples

Matarazzo's football passion was forged in an Italian-American household in New Jersey. He recalls watching Diego Maradona's Napoli on his father's small TV and a childhood memory of his father spray-painting their red Jeep in Italy's green, white, and red after their 1982 World Cup triumph, leading a parade through Patterson.

Despite his talent—he was a standout player at Columbia University—pursuing football professionally was a leap of faith. With an Ivy League degree in applied mathematics, lucrative corporate job offers beckoned. "I didn't want to start in the corporate world, without giving football a shot," Matarazzo explained. Encouraged by his father, he left for Europe with one suitcase, beginning a 25-year odyssey in Germany's lower leagues before transitioning into coaching.

Key Takeaways

• Rapid Transformation: Matarazzo has lifted Real Sociedad from a relegation battle to a Copa del Rey final and Champions League qualification chase in just four months.
• Historic Opportunity: A victory on Sunday would make him the first U. S.-born coach to win a major trophy at a club in one of Europe's top five leagues.
• Unconventional Path: The coach turned down a corporate career after graduating from Columbia University, choosing instead to grind through Germany's lower leagues as a player and coach.
• Cultural Connection: Despite his American roots, Matarazzo has embraced the local Basque culture, adopting the "poliki, poliki" mantra to guide the team's revival.

Now, the boy from New Jersey who once dreamed of playing in Italy has the chance to etch his name into Spanish football history. For Matarazzo and Real Sociedad, the final step of their remarkable journey is now within reach.