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The future of Real Sociedad is Zubieta: enthusiasm and energy with Bretos and Sergio

La Real Sociedad opens a new chapter in its recent history, one marked by the continuity of its philosophy but with new faces in key positions. Erik Bretos and Sergio Francisco have been presented to lead the sporting project, assuming responsibilities that previously fell to such important figures as Roberto Olabe and Imanol Alguacil. In an appearance filled with excitement, energy, and ambition, they outlined the keys to what they aspire to build: a strong, courageous Real Sociedad, and, above all, with a heart that beats from Zubieta.

The future of Real Sociedad is Zubieta

Presidential Confidence: The Words of Jokin Aperribay

President Jokin Aperribay did not hesitate to express his confidence in Bretos and Sergio. He described the previous month of working together as “phenomenal” and highlighted the extraordinary enthusiasm both have for Zubieta, which he considers the highest expression of Real Sociedad. Aperribay stated that Erik Bretos is the natural successor to Roberto Olabe and Sergio Francisco the successor to Imanol Alguacil, considering both to be the two most prepared people at Zubieta to take on the challenge.

He emphasized that Zubieta’s goal is to find extraordinary players, but more importantly, to seek out “the extraordinary in each player.” Success, according to Aperribay, lies in hard work, and this leads to results. He wished Bretos and Sergio the utmost brilliance in managing Real Sociedad’s elite football, expressing his conviction that they will do just that.

Erik Bretos: Gratitude and Responsibility

Erik Bretos described this moment as a very special day for being “at the club of my life.” He faces this new cycle with great enthusiasm and energy, which he wants to transmit to his entire team. He thanked the Board of Directors and Jokin Aperribay for the opportunity. He highlighted his working relationship with Sergio Francisco over the past few years and the absolute trust he has in him. Bretos also expressed his deep gratitude for all the Real Madrid fans with whom he has worked for 12 years, who have undoubtedly made him a better player.

He offered special thanks to Roberto Olabe, whom he feels he can never thank enough for everything he’s done for him, describing him as the best mentor he could have ever had, from whom he has learned so much every day for seven years. Bretos sees the responsibility of taking over from Olabe not as a burden, but as an opportunity that fills him with energy. He is taking the move to the front line naturally, aware that it will be different, but in a positive way, prioritizing enthusiasm and energy over any possible worries.

Sergio Francisco: Full Energy and the Continuity of Philosophy

Sergio Francisco shared the feeling that it was a very special day. Looking back, he wanted to thank key people in his career: Luki for giving him the opportunity to coach Real Sociedad ten years ago, being the first to think of him as a coach. He recalled his years at EASO and C, where he worked with many staff members who helped him grow, and his three years at Sanse.

He thanked Roberto Olabe for considering him for Sanse and, above all, for his support during those three years, during which he also greatly enjoyed working with Erik Bretos. He felt close to Olabe and Bretos during the process of constant improvement. He attributed his new position to Erik Bretos, for the “boldness” of proposing him at this time, and to the Board and Jokin Aperribay for investing in in-house players.

Sergio feels a “full blast” of energy to transmit and is very excited to start working with the squad and the new staff. He feels capable of taking on the challenge and is eager to interact with the players on a daily basis, creating the bonds he considers essential for a coach. His intention is to boost the level of a squad he considers “very talented, hard-working.” He acknowledges that they are already tapping into that talent, but his job will be to find the “hidden” talent they believe is there.

First Month of Work: Looking “Inward”

Over the past month of working together, Bretos and Sergio have focused on getting to know each other even better and, especially, on building Sergio’s staff, something they’ve done together and are very happy with. They’ve also spent many hours looking inward, analyzing the first-team roster and what they have at home. They want to get more out of the talent already on board and evaluate which players on loan or from Sanse can improve the first team.

Reflections on Transfers and Squad Needs

Regarding the possible need for signings or what the team is missing, both agreed that it’s still too early to go into details. Sergio needs to start working day-to-day with the squad to get a better feel for it and fully understand it, although he has his ideas. They are clear that the first step is to look at home, but they will be prepared to bring in players from outside who will improve the team.

Hobby and Transmission of Illusion

Addressing some fans’ concerns about a possible loss of enthusiasm after the end of the season, Jokin Aperribay expressed his “great joy” with how the previous season ended in the final home game, feeling the recognition of Imanol and the team. To convey enthusiasm to the fans, he believes it’s essential that they themselves (the club, the team, the staff) feel it first. Sergio agreed, adding that the most important thing is for the fans to know them, feel their energy, and join them in “building that wave” together.

Emotion at the Time of Appointment

When asked how they experienced the day they were informed of their appointments, the emotion was evident. For Erik Bretos, of San Sebastián and Real Sociedad, it was “the best you can aspire to,” but he took it very naturally, having worked so closely with Roberto Olabe and understanding that this moment could come.

For Sergio Francisco, the day was shocking; first, Manu (Imanol) personally informed them in the Sanse coaching room that he wouldn’t be continuing. Later that day, he received a call from Erik to go to the stadium, thinking it would be a one-on-one conversation, but instead he ran into Jokin, Erik, Andoni, Roberto Olabe, and a few others, who suggested he become the coach. For a kid from Irún and Real Sociedad, he explained, “you can imagine what that must mean.”

Template and Departure Rumors

Regarding next season’s squad, there is a “current” of talk about the possible departure of key players. Erik Bretos was clear: no player has indicated that he wants to leave. The club isn’t thinking about losing players, but rather about making the team “even better.” If there’s enthusiasm and energy to achieve something important, Bretos argued, they need a great team to do it.

Playing Style: Bold and Dynamic

Sergio Francisco, when asked about his playing style, preferred not to fully define it before working with the first team, but indicated that, based on what Sanse has seen, it won’t be “very different.” The intention is to be a “daring” team with different structures and to be dynamic.

Quarry-Signings 60-40: Essence and Reinforcements

Regarding the squad composition, the historic “60-40” (homegrown players-signings) ratio was mentioned. Erik Bretos stated that the percentages are a guideline; the important thing is to aim for a majority of homegrown players and those from Gipuzkoa, while maintaining that core. They will rely on external signings to strengthen their team.

Regarding the signing profile, he acknowledged that they’ve signed experienced veterans (Traoré, Faguer) and also young players with potential, looking to complement each position based on its needs. They don’t automatically associate age with experience or leadership, as there are young players with a wealth of personality and experience.

Review of Last Season and Vision for the Future

Jokin Aperribay reviewed the recent season, acknowledging that the second half of the season, with 18 points, was “poor” compared to the 28 in the first or previous second halfs. He believes the replacement of Imanol and Roberto is the first chapter of a new book, which they must approach naturally.

The vision for the future is a “360-degree” Zubieta, looking at recruitment, development, affection, and accents. He noted that Real Sociedad has had success in the last five years with many players born between 2000 and 2007, generations that Sergio and Erik know perfectly. He reiterated the importance of finding “the extraordinary in each player.”

Economic Situation: Strength without Need to Sell

Aperribay was emphatic about the financial situation: Real Madrid has one of the best financial positions in La Liga, never reaches the salary cap because it doesn’t need to, and doesn’t think about selling players. The club’s strength lies in doing things well and not needing to sell. The priority is improving the team. They are in a period of investment in Zubieta and the Reale Arena, with upcoming work on the main stands. Zubieta is the “heart of Real Madrid.”

Players on Loan and Potential Reinforcements

Regarding the loaned players, Bretos said they feel some of them will be able to improve and strengthen the team next season, although it’s too early to speak individually.

Lack of Goal: Analysis and Solutions

The issue of last season’s lack of goals was also addressed. Sergio Francisco acknowledged that the number of goals has been a given, and they are working to analyze how, with what they already have (performance improvements, positional changes), they can create more chances and score more goals. If the analysis concludes they need to look outside, they will, but he is confident that the necessary goal is within.

Regarding captain Mikel Oyarzabal, Sergio said he can play in several positions, not just one, and he’s confident he’ll be a super important player for him as a coach.

Europe as a Goal and the Attraction of Real Sociedad

Regarding European competition, not being in it is detrimental, as the Champions League makes the club more attractive to players. However, Bretos is clear that Real Sociedad is a huge club that is always attractive, whether there’s a European Championship or not, and has made some great signings even while away from it. Returning to Europe is the ultimate aspiration and must be achieved as soon as possible, but through hard work, effort, sacrifice, and dedication.

Rumors about Zubimendi and Kubo

Regarding the possible departure of key players, beyond the rumors, Erik Bretos confirmed that Martín Zubimendi is the only player they’ve had talks about with clubs that have inquired. No one else has told them they want to leave Real Sociedad. They’ve told Zubimendi to think carefully. The club would like him to stay, but they’re prepared in case he ever leaves.

They recalled Martín’s attitude last summer, something “very few players do” and something they appreciate. They believe there are players at home capable of taking over if necessary. Regarding Take Kubo, in response to rumors of a change of agent, Jokin Aperribay said he has not officially informed them of the move. Real Sociedad has no intention or need to transfer him and would like him to stay next year. He clarified that Real Sociedad always listens to the players’ wishes, as part of developing relationships, but that does not mean they intend to transfer key players.

The New Staff and Operational Structure

Sergio Francisco’s staff has been formed by seeking specialists in each area. He highlighted the addition of José Rodríguez for set pieces, a key aspect for them. Bretos, in his new structure, seeks to surround himself with the best possible team, creating six key areas (strategy, recruitment-development, availability-performance in four operational areas, and support) with a coordinator for each. Although he has a calling for scouting, he knows that his new responsibilities are greater and he needs to rely on good people, mentioning Abel Rojas and Guillermo Valverde in the first-team scouting team.

Fan Relations and Training in Zubieta

Regarding the relationship with the fans and the possible access to Zubieta, Sergio Francisco, a newcomer, believes it will be discussed, and decisions will be made that are best for the group and the fans. Jokin Aperribay explained that decisions about open training sessions are made with the quality and demands of the training in mind, not to distance themselves from the fans, and he asked that these decisions not be interpreted negatively.

Conclusion: Work, Talent and Ambition for a New Cycle

In short, the Future of Real Sociedad is Zubieta presents itself with a management and coaching team brimming with enthusiasm, energy, and ambition. The commitment to the youth academy and internal talent remains a priority. This period is not seen as a transition, but rather as a new cycle with lofty goals, such as a return to Europe. Financial stability allows us to look both inward and outward to build a better team. The key will be daily work, the demanding nature of our team, and the connection with fans who are invited to join us in this new era.

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