Arsen Zakharyan on Real Sociedad’s Coach and His Early Impact
Arsen Zakharyan, the midfielder who represents Real Sociedad and Russia, expressed satisfaction with the way coach Imanol Alguacil has been guiding the squad. He noted that conversations with the coach happen frequently and that the atmosphere around the team is positive. While everyone agrees more goals and assists would be welcome, the mutual trust between the player and the coach stands out. Zakharyan emphasized that Alguacil lets him express himself on the pitch and that their working relationship is strong and straightforward, which helps him settle quickly into the Spanish club’s style of play.
The midfielder’s on-field contributions quickly followed his words. On March 15, he found the back of the net for Real Sociedad, marking his first goal for the club in a league match against Cadiz. That breakthrough came in the context of La Liga competition and added to the narrative of his ongoing adaptation to top-tier Spanish football.
Real Sociedad announced Zakharyan’s arrival from Dynamo Moscow on August 19, 2023, and the contract runs through June 2029. He made his Real Sociedad debut in the 75th minute of the match against Las Palmas on August 25, stepping onto the pitch to help push the team forward in front of the home crowd. During his early period with the club, he appeared in a total of 20 La Liga matches, contributing in both midfield activity and build-up play as the team sought to integrate his game with the broader ambitions of the season.
In European competition, Zakharyan lifted the pace when he entered the field in the 76th minute in a Champions League fixture against Benfica on October 24. The substitution came as Real Sociedad sought fresh energy and a new axis in attack as the match stood at 1-0 in favor of the Spanish side. His arrival in these high-stakes matches underscored his growing role within the squad and highlighted Real Sociedad’s intent to compete at the highest level in Europe.
Earlier in his Real Sociedad journey, Zakharyan had spoken about the dream that motivates him in football. The sense of purpose and ambition he carries into each game reflects the personal and professional drive that has characterized his move from Dynamo Moscow to one of Europe’s notable clubs. This transition has been marked by steady integration, increased responsibility in midfield, and a willingness to adapt his game to a league renowned for its pace, tactical discipline, and technical detail.
As the season progressed, Zakharyan continued to grow into the role requested by the coaching staff. His perspective on the relationship with Alguacil mirrors a wider sentiment within the squad: trust and clear communication can accelerate adaptation and performance. The collaboration between player and coach demonstrated not just the ability to develop individual talent but also the capacity to fuse that talent with the team’s collective approach. Real Sociedad’s midfield line benefited from his creative instincts and his willingness to press high and support the forwards, while the coaching staff worked to optimize his positioning and decision-making under pressure.
Throughout this period, the team relied on a blend of veterans and rising talents, with Zakharyan serving as a bridge between the club’s domestic ambitions in La Liga and its continental goals in the Champions League. His experiences in Russia and Spain provided him with a diverse football education, and the club’s environment helped him translate that experience into meaningful contributions on match day. The emphasis remained on steady improvement, tactical understanding, and a productive relationship with the coaching staff that could yield more goals, assists, and influential performances as the season advanced.
Looking ahead, the expectation remains that Zakharyan will continue to increase his influence in Real Sociedad’s midfield. The combination of a trusted coach, a supportive squad, and the player’s own drive forms a foundation for continued growth. In a league that rewards technical skill and intelligent positioning, Zakharyan’s development will be watched closely, with fans hoping to see him add more decisive moments to his early Real Sociedad résumé and help propel the club toward its ambitious targets in both domestic and European competition.
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