Official: Iñigo Pérez Appointed as New Coach of Villarreal CF Until 2029

Villarreal said Monday they reached a deal to hire coach Iñigo Pérez, who led fellow Spanish club Rayo Vallecano to the final of the UEFA Conference League this season. Pérez is set to sign a three-year contract with Villarreal, who finished third in the Spanish league and will play in the Champions League for a second straight season. The Navarrese coach will lead the yellow team for the next three seasons, marking a new era at the Estadio de la Cerámica.

From Rayo Vallecano to Villarreal

The 38-year-old Pérez, a former midfielder who retired in 2022, will replace Marcelino, who announced late last season that he would not stay in charge of the team. Pérez replaces outgoing coach Marcelino, who could not agree on a new contract.

The appointment represents a significant step up for Iñigo Pérez, who impressed Spanish football with his tactical acumen and ability to maximize resources at Rayo Vallecano. Perez arrives after two-and-a-half-years at the helm of the Madrid-based Rayo Vallecano who finished eighth in La Liga this season.

Impressive Achievements at Rayo Vallecano

Conference League Success

Pérez’s Rayo lost 1-0 to Crystal Palace in the final of the third-tier Conference League. Despite the defeat, guiding Rayo Vallecano to their first-ever European final was a remarkable achievement that caught the attention of bigger clubs across Spain.

Pérez led Rayo to the final of the 2025–26 UEFA Conference League, disposing of France’s Strasbourg 2–0 on aggregate in the semi-finals. This European journey showcased his ability to compete against higher-quality opponents with limited resources.

Rayo Vallecano Performance Summary

The Journey to Management

Playing Career

Iñigo Pérez Soto (born 18 January 1988) is a Spanish former professional footballer who played as a central midfielder. A product of Athletic Bilbao’s youth ranks at Lezama, Pérez was born in Pamplona, Navarre.

Throughout his playing career, Pérez represented several Spanish clubs including Athletic Bilbao, Huesca, Mallorca, Osasuna, and Numancia. Pérez retired at the end of 2021–22 at the age of 34, having made 85 official appearances during his spell at the El Sadar Stadium.

Transition to Coaching

Subsequently, he joined the coaching staff of his former Athletic teammate Andoni Iraola at Rayo Vallecano. Pérez was an assistant at Rayo and took over the main job in 2024 after not being able to accompany then-coach Andoni Iraola when he moved to AFC Bournemouth in England because of work permit issues.

He returned to the Campo de Fútbol de Vallecas – now as a manager in his own right – on 14 February 2024, following Francisco’s dismissal. In his first match four days later, his side drew 1-1 at home to Real Madrid.

Career Timeline

Villarreal’s Champions League Ambitions

Villarreal were eliminated in the league phase of the Champions League last season, their first in the top European club competition since they reached the semifinals in 2021-22. It will be the first time Villarreal play back-to-back seasons in the Champions League.

This historic opportunity provides the perfect platform for Iñigo Pérez to showcase his abilities at the highest level of European club football. Villarreal’s board has shown faith in his potential to elevate the team’s performance after an underwhelming Champions League campaign.

Villarreal 2025-26 Season Summary

Tactical Philosophy and Playing Style

Pérez has developed a reputation for implementing an aggressive, high-intensity playing style that maximizes his squad’s collective strength. His approach emphasizes quick transitions, pressing, and creating controlled chaos that disrupts opponents’ rhythm.

At Rayo Vallecano, he demonstrated the ability to organize limited resources effectively, getting the most out of veteran players and building a cohesive tactical system. His sides are known for their bravery in possession and willingness to take risks, particularly against larger clubs.

Notable Results as Rayo Manager

Why Villarreal Chose Iñigo Pérez

Villarreal’s decision to appoint Iñigo Pérez reflects their belief in young, progressive Spanish coaches who understand La Liga’s demands while bringing fresh tactical ideas. Several factors made him an attractive candidate:

• European Experience: Successfully navigated a Conference League campaign to the final
• Overachievement: Led a modest Rayo side to compete with Spain’s elite clubs
• Tactical Flexibility: Demonstrated ability to adapt strategies based on opposition
• Player Development: Maximized potential of aging squad and limited resources
• Spanish Football Knowledge: Deep understanding of La Liga’s tactical landscape
• Long-term Potential: At 38, represents a coach on an upward trajectory

Despite Rayo’s desire to keep him, the Spaniard decided not to renew his contract and left the club upon its expiration.

Challenges Ahead at Villarreal

Iñigo Pérez faces several significant challenges as he takes over at Villarreal:

Immediate Objectives

Champions League Performance: Improve on last season’s group stage exit and progress deeper into the competition

La Liga Consistency: Maintain top-four finish and secure another Champions League qualification spot

Squad Management: Balance domestic and European commitments effectively

Tactical Evolution: Implement his playing philosophy while adapting to higher-quality players

Pressure Management: Handle expectations at a club with greater resources and ambitions than Rayo

Official Presentation

The new Villarreal coach will be officially introduced on Tuesday. The presentation will provide Pérez with his first opportunity to outline his vision for the club and address supporters about his tactical plans for the upcoming season.

What This Means for Villarreal

The appointment signals Villarreal’s commitment to Spanish coaching talent and their belief in progressive tactical approaches. Rather than pursuing established names with extensive trophy cabinets, the club has invested in a coach whose methods have produced impressive results despite resource limitations.

This philosophy aligns with Villarreal’s historical approach of developing talent and competing smartly against Spain’s financial giants. The three-year contract provides Pérez with job security and time to implement his ideas fully.

Villarreal supporters can expect an exciting, attacking style of football under Iñigo Pérez. His Rayo teams were known for their courage, intensity, and willingness to take the game to any opponent regardless of reputation.

The upcoming transfer window will be crucial as Pérez and Villarreal’s sporting director work together to shape a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts. The coach’s input on signings, tactical system implementation, and squad building will determine the success of this new project.

With Champions League football guaranteed and a talented squad at his disposal, Iñigo Pérez has the opportunity to establish himself among Spain’s elite coaches. His journey from Rayo Vallecano’s assistant to Villarreal’s head coach in just over two years represents one of Spanish football’s most impressive rapid rises.

The Navarrese tactician now has the platform to prove that his success at Rayo was no fluke, and that he belongs among the best young coaches in European football.

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