Luki Iriarte has been at the heart of Real Sociedad since 1999. As the academy director for seventeen seasons, he has been one of the architects of Antoine Griezmann’s recruitment and development at Zubieta, where he personally coached him for two years. He spoke with RMC Sport before a Copa del Rey final unlike any other: this Saturday night, Griezmann will face the club that believed in him.
What is the philosophy of training at Real Sociedad? Our goal is to develop players from the local province and we are close to the French Basque Country. The regulations allow us to work with French nationals living on the other side of the border as well. We consider France a territory where Real Sociedad should keep a close eye, given the player profiles we need. (…)
Is it usual for you to train French players from the Basque Country or the area of San Sebastian? Yes, it is usual for us to have French players. There is a rule that allows residents of another country within 50 km of the border, and if the training center is also within 50 km of the border, to play. This allows us to encompass the whole region: Bayonne, Anglet, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Biarritz, Hendaye – all within this 50-kilometer radius. So we have always had players from this area. I also consider Real Sociedad an attractive destination, as even those outside the 50-kilometer radius are often closer to Zubieta or Real Sociedad than the nearest French club. (…)
Are there many supporters from the French Basque Country who support Real Sociedad? For many fans, it is easier to come see professional football matches in San Sebastian than having to travel to Toulouse or previously to Bordeaux. They have La Liga and the Second Division very close to them, even if it’s in another country, and that also helps to spark their passion for football. It is also true that the culture, the Guipuzcoan culture, makes people in France feel an affinity at certain moments. We have a common language, spoken in more or less extended areas, which is Basque, and this also helps to create links beyond football, links that can bring people living in French territory to come to Anoeta, to the stadium, to see Real’s matches, or to follow Real Sociedad. Not to mention that, in any case, Gipuzkoa is a beautiful place to live, for anyone, even if you don’t like football, it’s a place worth visiting and staying.
Context: Luki Iriarte has been involved in the development of players at Real Sociedad, including Antoine Griezmann, and shares insights into the club’s philosophy and connections with France. Fact Check: Antoine Griezmann is a well-known French footballer who played for Real Sociedad before moving to top clubs like Atletico Madrid and Barcelona.
