Football: Villarreal president Roig backs new coach Perez ahead of La Liga season
Madrid, Aug 6
Villarreal president Fernando Roig is excited about the forthcoming La Liga season and hopes the club can build on last year's campaign under new coach Inigo Perez.
Villarreal finished third in La Liga last season to qualify for the Champions League for the second consecutive year, although coach Marcelino Garcia Toral later left and was replaced by Perez, reports Xinhua.
"We have a new project with a new coach, and it's very exciting. He's a young and very hard-working manager. I think we have a better squad than last season," said Roig at a press conference, where he highlighted the return of left-back Carlos Romero following a successful loan spell with Espanyol.
"He was the best full-back in La Liga last season," said Roig, who also stressed the importance of Villarreal's youth system.
The club president said he was delighted with the appointment of the 38-year-old Perez, who guided Rayo Vallecano to the Conference League final last season.
"He's arrived eager to work and achieve important things. He and his coaching staff will lead us to good results," commented Roig, who stressed that one objective was to improve on last season's disappointing Champions League campaign, in which Villarreal suffered seven defeats and managed just one draw in the group stage.
"It's very important, and it would be even better if we could qualify for three years in a row. That's the goal we have to set for next year," he concluded.
Earlier, Villarreal signed veteran Hungary goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi from RB Leipzig, the Spanish club's first arrival of the summer transfer window.
The 36-year-old has signed a two-year contract after Villarreal reportedly paid about 1 million euros (1.2 million U.S. dollars) to Leipzig for his transfer.
Gulacsi leaves Leipzig after making 362 appearances across 11 seasons following his move from Red Bull Salzburg in 2015. He began his professional career at Liverpool but did not make a senior appearance for the Premier League club, spending time on loan at Tranmere Rovers and Hull City.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Honestly, I'm a bit skeptical. Perez did well with Rayo, but managing a club like Villarreal with Champions League expectations is a different ball game entirely. The group stage last year was embarrassing – 7 losses! They need to fix that mentality first. Let's hope the new project works.
As someone who follows the Bundesliga closely, Gulacsi was a rock for Leipzig for years. Getting him for just €1M is an absolute steal. Villarreal's scouting is top-notch. Carlos Romero coming back from loan is also great news — he was quality at Espanyol. This squad has serious potential. 🔥
I love how Villarreal always gives young coaches a chance. Perez at 38 leading a club with this much ambition is inspiring. The Spanish league needs more fresh ideas, not just the same old names. Also, that youth system Roig mentioned – that's how clubs like this stay relevant. 👏
The Champions League group stage was painful to watch last season. But let's give Perez time – Rome wasn't built in a day. The key is consistency in La Liga and at least being competitive in Europe. If they can qualify for three straight years, that's a massive achievement for a club of their size. 🤞
Interesting point about Romero being the "best full-back in La Liga." That's a bold claim from Roig, but the kid did look sharp at Espanyol. If Villarreal can tighten up defensively and get a bit more clinical in front of goal, they could genuinely push
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