Igor Zubeldia: year was different, but I feel the confidence

Igor Zubeldia: year was different, but I feel the confidence

According to Mundodeportivo.

Background

Igor Zubeldia, now in his eleventh season at Real Sociedad, has consolidated his position as a key player within the team. Despite the competition for a starting spot, he remains determined to show his best level. His role as second captain and his experience are of great importance to the team's dynamics in the competitive environment of La Liga.

Why this matters

Igor Zubeldia, as Real Sociedad's second captain, plays a crucial role in the team, especially with the start of La Liga against Betis looming. His experience and leadership are essential for the team, especially after a season in which he was not always a starter. The way he prepares and his self-reflection could determine Real Sociedad's success in the competition.

Key points

• Igor Zubeldia: year was different, but I feel the confidence.
• Zubeldia, second captain of Real Sociedad, speaks about his form, role and the start of La Liga against Betis.
• "El año fue diferente para mí, pero sí siento que tengo la confianza de Matarazzo".

Igor Zubeldia enters his eleventh season in Real Sociedad's main squad and does so with calm determination. The 27-year-old Basque indicated in the run-up to the start of the competition that he is in excellent physical condition and that the team is ready for what he describes as "thirty pretty crazy days" with many matches in a short time. “It really starts now,” said the defender, who emphasizes that the preparation went without physical setbacks and that the focus in the last week was mainly on analyzing the opponent.

Real Sociedad opens the competition against Betis in the Estadio de La Cartuja, a stadium that brings back both positive and less pleasant memories for the club. Four months after the cup triumph - a prize that Zubeldia had to experience from the stands due to an injury against Villarreal - La Real returns to Andalusian soil. “We know what awaits us there,” he says. "We know Betis well, they have been playing with the same coach for a long time and according to a clear idea. If we want to take something with us, we have to do many things right."

Personally, Zubeldia looks back on the past season self-critically. He calls it “different” than previous years and acknowledges that he was not always a basic player. In London he recently started on the bench, with Beitia in the starting line-up, but he was not surprised. "There are eleven people playing. The coach decides and the competition is fierce. I make sure I am ready to show my best level as soon as I play," he says. He certainly feels supported: “I have Matarazzo's confidence. We speak regularly and in that respect I am very calm.”

Zubeldia is clear about his role at the back: on the right he feels a little more comfortable in the build-up due to his natural right foot, although he can also handle well on the left. He does not rule out a return as a defensive midfielderout, but that is up to the trainer. "If it helps the team, I am available. The choice lies with the staff."

According to Zubeldia, where Real Sociedad can mainly make gains next season is in the defensive organization and the moments after losing the ball. The team conceded goals too easily from counters in the preparation and last season. “We have to improve a lot on that,” he says. “React faster after losing the ball, be more compact and solid and neutralize those transition moments.”

Yet optimism prevails. Zubeldia sees a group that is mentally prepared for a long and intense season. The preparation produced “moments of all kinds”, with plenty of tools to make tactical adjustments. He also feels that the bond with his supporters is strong and he does not think he has to prove anything anymore. "Eleven years in the first team is no coincidence. I know what I can offer this team."

The first measuring moment awaits Friday against Betis. Real Sociedad wants to force a good start in La Cartuja, with three points as the goal. Zubeldia sums it up: "It's about what you show on the field. We are ready to start."

What's happening now

The match against Betis marks an important test for Zubeldia and Real Sociedad, who want to prove themselves after their cup triumph. Zubeldia's focus on improving the defensive organization will be crucial to achieve a good result. With the confidence of coach Matarazzo, he can utilize his potential and contribute to the club's ambitions in La Liga.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Igor Zubeldia say about his preparation for the new season?

Igor Zubeldia indicated that the preparation went without physical setbacks and that the focus in the last week was mainly on analyzing the opponent.

Who confirmed Igor Zubeldia's trust?

Igor Zubeldia feels the confidence of coach Matarazzo.

Why is this season different for Igor Zubeldia?

Zubeldia calls last season differently because he was not always a starter.

What are the expectations for the opening of the competition against Betis?

Zubeldia expects that many things will have to be done right to gain something against Betis, who have been working with the same trainer for a long time.

What is the context of the match against Betis for Real Sociedad?

Real Sociedad opens the competition against Betis at the Estadio de La Cartuja, of which they have both positive and less pleasant memories.

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