Calciomercato report that Thiago Motta has once again declined a managerial approach, this time from Real Sociedad. The Italian-Brazilian coach, currently still under contract with Juventus, continues to observe a sabbatical year while waiting for the right opportunity to return to the dugout.
A Planned Pause
Motta, dismissed by Juventus earlier this season, remains bound to the club until June 2027, earning a reported €3.5 million net per year. Despite several enquiries from abroad, he has shown no rush to re-enter management, preferring to take time before deciding on his next project.
No to Real Sociedad
After brief links in recent months with Bayer Leverkusen, Monaco, and Spartak Moscow, Motta’s name had surfaced again — this time in Spain. Real Sociedad, having dismissed Sergio Francisco following a 2-1 home defeat to Girona, placed a call to the ex-Bologna and Juve manager as they sought fresh leadership.
However, Motta turned down the Basque club’s offer, maintaining his stance of patience. Sociedad, sitting 15th in La Liga with just 16 points from as many matches and dangerously close to the relegation zone, moved swiftly to secure an alternative.
Matarazzo Takes Over
The club has now appointed American coach Pellegrino Matarazzo, formerly of Hoffenheim and Stuttgart, as their new manager. After a brief interim spell under B-team boss Jon Ansotegi, Matarazzo will take charge of the first team with the immediate task of reversing Real Sociedad’s fortunes.
For Motta, meanwhile, the wait goes on — his name still among the most intriguing on the European coaching market, but one determined to choose his next step carefully.
