Iñigo Pérez: “I face this challenge with the utmost responsibility and excitement”

The new Villarreal head coach has pledged hard work and commitment to achieve the team’s objectives

Iñigo Pérez was presented this Tuesday as the new Villarreal CF head coach in an event held at the Club 1923 at the Estadio de la Cerámica. Accompanied by club president Fernando Roig and CEO Fernando Roig Negueroles, the Navarrese coach shared his first words in charge of the Yellow Submarine.

“I feel grateful, excited and motivated about this new step in my career. We cannot promise results, but I strongly identify with family values, ambition, sacrifice and hard work. That is something I can promise and guarantee,” he said.

Regarding his decision to join Villarreal, Iñigo admitted it was an easy one: “You don’t need much convincing when this club calls. It was very easy to give an answer. It’s a very important step and I take it on with great responsibility.”

Looking ahead, Pérez underlined the importance of understanding the club’s culture: “When you arrive somewhere new, the most important thing is to understand the environment, the culture and the people. Anyone who loves football knows Fernando Roig’s project and the path the club has followed over the last three decades, starting from the bottom and achieving success in Europe and through its academy. I need time to adapt to this new context, but I believe my background shares many similarities.”

As for his footballing approach, Iñigo stressed the importance of getting to know the squad and building on Marcelino’s foundations: “First of all, I need to understand the team’s culture and the region. Then you get to the dressing room, which I must fully get to know. I need to understand the players, their personalities and their feelings. That’s essential to develop my ideas. Of course, we know this team finished third in the league and is a well-established club. We will build on that excellent foundation.”

Finally, the new Villarreal coach expressed his excitement about competing in the Champions League: “I’m very excited about coaching in the Champions League. I’ve been watching it all my life. It’s a very important competition for the club, which always aims to compete in Europe. We also need to normalise balancing continental competitions with the league, ensuring our players maintain the same identity regardless of opponents or venues. That’s my challenge as a coach.”

Below, you can watch Iñigo Pérez’s full presentation as Villarreal CF’s new head coach: