Villarreal Appoints New Head Coach After Securing Champions League Spot

Iñigo Pérez Takes the Helm

According to Главком: Spanish club Villarreal has named Iñigo Pérez as their new head coach. He steps in for Marcelino García Toral, who departed following a successful campaign. Pérez has signed a three-year contract with the Yellow Submarine. In the 2025/26 season, Villarreal finished third in La Liga with 72 points, earning a place in the group stage of the 2026/27 Champions League. The team edged out Atlético Madrid by three points and will now compete in Europe’s top club competition for the second consecutive year.

Pérez’s Track Record

Iñigo Pérez previously managed Rayo Vallecano in Madrid, where he began his coaching career as an assistant. During the 2023/24 season, he took over Rayo Vallecano mid-campaign and successfully steered them away from relegation. In the following two seasons, the club finished eighth in La Liga under his guidance. He also led the team to the Conference League final, where they lost 0–1 to London’s Crystal Palace.

The 2025/26 season was Villarreal’s best since 2007/08, when they finished second. In the Copa del Rey, Villarreal were eliminated in the round of 32. In the Champions League, the team drew 2–2 with Juventus of Turin but suffered seven defeats and failed to advance to the knockout stages. Now, the club is hoping for a strong campaign under new boss Iñigo Pérez.

The appointment of Iñigo Pérez could prove to be a defining moment for Villarreal as they seek stability and success following a coaching change.

Pérez brings extensive La Liga experience and has already shown he can improve the performance of the teams he has managed. As Villarreal return to the Champions League, their ambitions extend beyond maintaining their domestic standing to achieving better results on the international stage.

As Villarreal embarks on a new chapter under Iñigo Pérez, the decision to part ways with their previous head coach raises questions about the club's direction. For insights into the circumstances that led to this significant coaching change, including the challenges faced despite a strong league finish, check out our analysis on the reasons behind the coaching shift.