Former Villarreal CF striker Adrián López will revisit his playing past from a new position on the groguet bench. The Asturian, born in San Martín de Teverga in 1988, is currently the second assistant coach to Iñigo Pérez at La Cerámica. The team faces this context with a tough start to the season, sitting 15th in La Liga with just 2 points from three games.
Who was Adrián López as a player?
Adrián López enjoyed a long career as a forward before hanging up his boots in 2022. His first professional team was RC Deportivo de La Coruña, where he debuted in 2006. Under manager Miguel Ángel Lotina, he had a strong 2010/11 campaign, scoring eight goals and providing three assists, although the club was ultimately relegated. After leaving Deportivo on a free transfer to join Atlético de Madrid, his career path also took him to FC Porto before returning to Riazor. In total, he wore the blanquiazul shirt 139 times, with a record of 27 goals and 10 assists.
His spell at Villarreal CF before 2024 left an indelible mark. He scored the 92nd-minute goal in the first leg of the 2016 Europa League semi-finals, a strike that helped seal the tie against Liverpool. That Marcelino García Toral-led Villarreal side eliminated the English team and reached the competition's final. After his yellow stint, Adrián played for Osasuna and Málaga, his final clubs before retirement.
How did he join Iñigo Pérez's coaching staff?
Adrián López's path to the Villarreal CF dugout is tied to Iñigo Pérez. The two were teammates at CA Osasuna during their playing days, forging a relationship that transitioned into coaching. Their collaboration began in 2024, when Navarre-born coach Iñigo Pérez took charge of Rayo Vallecano after being denied a work permit to join Andoni Iraola in England.
Adrián López then joined Pérez's backroom team at Vallecas. They spent two seasons together at the franjirrojo club, building a project that caught Villarreal's eye. This summer, the groguet board trusted the duo to lead a new cycle for the team, which is looking to rebound after a league start where they have conceded more goals (5) than scored (4).
What are Villarreal's current challenges?
The first challenge for the coaching staff that includes Adrián López is to improve immediate results. The team is seven points behind leaders Barcelona and needs to start picking up points ahead of the next home fixture. The next test is on September 14th against Real Betis, seventh in the table, a key match to try and climb away from the lower positions. The squad, which you can view on our squad page, is also dealing with the confirmed absence of Juan Foyth, a detail listed on our injuries page.
Adrián López's experience in the dressing room, both as a top-level player and now as staff, is an asset for a group needing stability. His knowledge of the club and what it means to wear the yellow shirt adds intangible value. The schedule for the coming matches, available on fixtures, will be important in assessing the chosen direction.
The work of Adrián López alongside Iñigo Pérez is now focused on careful preparing for the clash against Betis at La Cerámica, chasing the first win of the 2026/27 season.
