Matarazzo’s team is currently second in the direct relegation position, having lost nine of its last nine league matches. There are 10 rounds left. The New Jersey native believes that it is only a matter time before things change.
“When we win we’re going get rolling. We’re all on the same page, and the guys are working hard. There was enough talent on the team. It’s all about the first success, Matarazzo stated late Monday during a video conference with journalists.
In recent games, his team has lost important points due to late goals.
With five minutes left, Stuttgart won, but then Hoffenheim conceded two goals. The team also conceded a goal against Bochum on Saturday in injury time.
“I don’t believe in luck. It’s all about investing more. Matarazzo said that just a few percent more is all it takes to invest more. His team will next face Borussia Monchengladbach Saturday.
Matarazzo, a former defender, played in lower league German teams before moving into coaching the reserves and youth sides of Nuremberg. When both were at Hoffenheim, in 2018, Matarazzo was the assistant to Julian Nagelsmann. He was appointed Stuttgart coach in December 2019. He led the club to the Bundesliga in its first attempt, and he also managed it to a commendable ninth-place finish in his first season of top-flight.
In February 2013, the club extended his contract.
The season started off with severe coronavirus infections, long injury layoffs and a slow start for some key players like Sasa Kalajdzic (Austrian forward), who scored 16 goals last year.
Matarazzo stated that “it was just a continual destabilization of squad with a lot players kind of falling out.”
Stuttgart is home to one of the most youthful teams in the division. This is due to the club’s commitment to investing in youth and their development in order for the club’s future. Matarazzo supports the strategy and says it is “logical” in a time where transfer fees for advanced players make it impossible for smaller clubs to afford them.
“We have seen huge jumps in market values for the players in our squad. This is what we are doing. Matarazzo stated that this is our job. “The current focus is on the development of the players by staying in league. If we play in the second division next year, each player will have less market value.”
ITALIAN SOCCER FANS
Matarazzo grew up in New Jersey and watched Serie A on a small television in the bedroom of his father.
He said that “at some point it became bigger TV” and recalled the goals Maradona scored. We watched every goal and all of the free kicks that he scored, and we celebrated each one. After big family meals, we would go out to the park. I would play Maradona and my dad would play (Brazilian forward) Careca. We would pick different players and live our passion. It was definitely an important part of our lives.”
Matarazzo also recalled idolizing Roberto Baggio, the forward from Italy, and U.S. players Tab RAMOS, Marcelo Balboa, and Tony Meola. “Also a New Jersey guy… When my brother played goalkeeper, he was also Tony Meola.”
Matarazzo is now back in Germany after spending more than 20 years there. However, he keeps in touch with his family in America, even though they sometimes tease him.
“The worst thing for me was when my aunt said, ‘Hey Rino, you have an accent when you speak English.’ My aunt asked me if Rino had an accent when she spoke English. I replied, “What?” Yes, it is true. I believe in German that I have an accent when speaking English. It’s embarrassing.
