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Villarreal appoint former Rayo boss Inigo Perez as new coach on three-year deal
The LaLiga club confirmed the appointment on Monday, with Perez taking charge ahead of next season's UEFA Champions League campaign.
The 38-year-old arrives after an impressive spell at Rayo Vallecano, where he guided the Madrid-based side to an eighth-place finish in LaLiga and led them to the UEFA Conference League final, where they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace last week.
His appointment comes after Marcelino left Villarreal following unsuccessful negotiations over a contract extension. The veteran coach had overseen a strong season, steering the club to third place in LaLiga and securing qualification for the Champions League.
Perez's rise through the coaching ranks has been swift. After ending a playing career that included spells with Osasuna, Athletic Bilbao, Mallorca and Huesca, he moved into coaching as an assistant to Andoni Iraola at Rayo Vallecano. When Iraola left for Premier League side Bournemouth in 2023, Perez was unable to follow him because of work permit complications.
That setback ultimately opened the door to his first senior managerial role. In February 2024, Rayo appointed him head coach following the dismissal of Francisco Rodriguez, entrusting him with the task of continuing the club's progress.
Perez quickly impressed, earning praise for his tactical approach and ability to build a competitive side despite operating with limited resources. Under his leadership, Rayo secured their place in LaLiga and enjoyed a memorable European run that culminated in an appearance in the Conference League final.
His move to Villarreal represents a significant step up and will provide him with his first opportunity to coach in the Champions League. It will also be only the second managerial appointment of his career, underlining the faith Villarreal have placed in his potential.
At 38, Perez becomes one of the youngest coaches to take charge of Villarreal's first team without emerging from the club's academy structure. He will be officially presented on Tuesday at the Estadio de la Cerámica as Villarreal begin a new era under one of Spanish football's rising managerial talents.
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