Real Sociedad Heads to Germany for Pre-Season Friendlies Against Cologne

What’s Happening?

Quick Summary: Real Sociedad is traveling to Germany today to play two friendly matches against FC Köln (Cologne). These games are part of their final pre-season preparation before the real season starts.

The Trip Details

• Destination: Cologne, Germany
• Arrival Time: Around 2:00 PM today
• Matches: Two friendlies — one this afternoon, one tomorrow
• Squad Size: 27 players traveling with coach Pellegrino Matarazzo
• Purpose: Give players 90 minutes (or close to it) of game time to build fitness

Big News: Who’s In the Squad?

1. Take Kubo Returns!

The Japanese star is back in the squad after recovering from an injury he picked up at the World Cup. He started pre-season later and more carefully.
But don’t expect him to play the full game — he’s still building match fitness, plus there are lots of attacking options.

2. Theo Folgado Joins as Third Goalkeeper

Young keeper Theo Folgado travels with the team as the third goalkeeper option.
Regular backup Fraga stays behind to play for Sanse (the reserve team) in their big friendly against Zaragoza.

3. Dani Díaz Gets a Second Chance

Dani Díaz had already moved down to Sanse permanently, but Guedes’ surgery opens a spot. He’s back with the first team — for now.

Who’s Missing?

Important Absences: Several key players are not traveling due to injury, recovery, or vacation.

Young Talents Get a Chance

Coach Matarazzo continues to trust the "potrillos" (young academy players):

• Beitia
• Lebarbier
• Aguirre
• Marchal
• Carrera

They’re all training and playing with the first team during this trip.

One Player on the Way Out

Javi López is also with the squad, but reports suggest he’s likely to leave the club — he looks like a clear "descarte" (player not in the coach’s plans).

Why This Matters (In Simple Terms)

Think of pre-season like spring training in baseball or practice games before school sports start. These friendlies don’t count for points, but they help:

1. Build match fitness — real games are different from training
2. Test tactics — coach tries different lineups and ideas
3. Give young players exposure — kids get to play with pros
4. Spot problems early — injuries, rust, tactical gaps

Summary

Real Sociedad flies to Germany today for two friendlies vs. Cologne
27 players travel, including returning star Take Kubo
Kubo won’t play much — still building fitness
Theo Folgado (GK) and Dani Díaz get call-ups
7 players missing — injuries + Oyarzabal on vacation
5 academy kids continue with first team
Javi López likely leaving soon

These games are the final dress rehearsal before the real season kicks off!

FAQ

Why are they playing two games in two days?

A: It’s common in pre-season to pack in minutes quickly. Different players will likely play each game so everyone gets ~90 minutes total without overloading anyone.

Is Take Kubo fully fit?

A: He’s medically cleared, but match fitness takes time. He’ll likely play 30–45 minutes max to avoid re-injury.

Who is Pellegrino Matarazzo?

A: He’s the head coach of Real Sociedad (appointed in 2024). Previously coached in Germany (Stuttgart, Hoffenheim) — so he knows Cologne well!

What is "Sanse"?

A: Short for Real Sociedad B (also called Sanse). It’s the reserve team that plays in Spain’s lower divisions. Young players develop there before moving up.

Do these friendlies count for anything official?

A: No. Zero points, zero trophies. Pure preparation. But coaches really watch them closely to decide who starts Game 1 of the real season.