Gov. Phil Murphy gave a shoutout Monday to one among North Jersey’s personal making soccer historical past in Spain – a well timed nod that got here simply at some point after Pellegrino Matarazzo made his debut as Actual Sociedad’s supervisor.
Matarazzo, the 48-year-old Honest Garden native, turned the primary American to guide a La Liga membership when he was employed on Dec. 20, then launched at a information convention two days later. He agreed to a contract by June 2027, taking up after the membership dismissed Sergio Francisco following a 3rd straight league loss.
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“Congratulations to Honest Garden’s personal Pellegrino Matarazzo on changing into the primary American coach in La Liga!” Murphy wrote on X. “Preserve making Jersey proud.”
Actual Sociedad’s US coach Pellegrino Matarazzo is pictured throughout the Spanish League soccer match between Actual Sociedad and Membership Atletico de Madrid at Anoeta Stadium in San Sebastian on January 4, 2026. (Photograph by ANDER GILLENEA / AFP through Getty Photos)
Matarazzo’s first match in cost got here on Jan. 4 when his group completed with a 1-1 draw in opposition to Atlético Madrid. With 18 factors, Actual Sociedad (4-6-8) sits in fifteenth place out of 20 groups.
“I would not be right here proper now sitting in entrance of you if I didn’t know the right way to cope with challenges,” Matarazzo instructed reporters at his introductory information convention.
“I settle for challenges. It’s an opportunity to point out energy and an opportunity for achievement. I do know the place I’m and every part I’ve accomplished up thus far was to get right here, and now it is time to present who I’m.”
Pellegrino Matarazzo: A North Jersey basis
Matarazzo, the son of Italian immigrants, grew up because the oldest of 4 brothers and shortly emerged as one among North Jersey’s high gamers. As a freshman, he was named a varsity starter by longtime coach Harvey Egan, and by the point he graduated he had turn out to be a two‑time All‑County first‑group choice and an All‑State honoree.
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From the archives:
His play drew curiosity from schools throughout the nation, however he selected Columbia College, the place he turned a 4‑12 months starter and group captain as a senior.
Earlier than arriving in Spain, Matarazzo constructed a protracted teaching résumé in Germany. He led Stuttgart from 2019-22, then took over Hoffenheim in February 2023 and remained there till November 2024.
That have positioned him as a uncommon American voice trusted on the highest ranges of soccer.
Studying the language
Actual Sociedad’s US coach Pellegrino Matarazzo applauds as Actual Sociedad’s Portuguese ahead #11 Goncalo Guedes walks previous throughout the Spanish League soccer match between Actual Sociedad and Membership Atletico de Madrid at Anoeta Stadium in San Sebastian on January 4, 2026. (Photograph by ANDER GILLENEA / AFP through Getty Photos)
At his introductory information convention, Matarazzo opened with a ready assertion in Spanish earlier than pivoting to English.
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“For me it’s a nice honor to be right here immediately as coach of Actual Sociedad,” Matarazzo mentioned in Spanish. “From the primary second I felt a really clear reference to this membership due to its values, for its id and for the fervour with which soccer lives right here.”
Matarazzo instructed reporters he would attempt to do his greatest to be taught Spanish within the coming weeks and coming months, however would reply questions in English in the meanwhile.
The language barrier, he insisted, gained’t be an issue due to a selection he made again in Honest Garden.
“I do not suppose will probably be a problem,” Matarazzo mentioned. “I’m grateful that I realized 4 years of Spanish in highschool moderately than selecting French.”
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