New austerity era
Iñigo Pérez, 38, signs for Villarreal after Marcelino García’s departure, who finished the team in 3rd place and declined to renew under the offered terms. The club, which budgeted over €200 million last year thanks to the Champions League, faces an austerity program that limits signings and promotes youth. CEO Fernando Roig Negueroles has stated that “the era of risky betting in the transfer market is over” and that “a new austerity era has begun”.
Marcelino’s legacy
Marcelino built a competitive group in La Liga, but in the Champions he could not refine the irregular Mikautadze, signed for €31 million from Lyon, nor train a defense that needed Renato Veiga, Santiago Mouriño and Rafa Martín. Foyth’s injury, the decline of Parejo and Albiol, and Thomas Partey’s physical and mental state led to a drop to 35th after losing all matches. The club has spent only €1.5 million on Hungarian goalkeeper Péter Gulácsi.
Immediate challenges
Pérez must manage the shortage of central midfielders, with exits of Partey, Parejo and Alfonso Pedraza, and raise the offensive tempo. The first match of the season, a 2‑2 draw at El Sardinero, highlighted defensive and passive pressure problems. The coach intervened at halftime and Villarreal managed to draw and dominate Racing with seven shots and 49 area interventions.
First match and lessons
The upcoming game against Atlético, at 17:00, will test the new philosophy. The solidity of Carlos Romero, the youth full‑back, and the good form of Mouriño, Foyth, Gueye and Pépé will be key. Pérez must transform the team into one that presses aggressively and circulates quickly, a task that will require all his ingenuity.
Club’s future
The club will continue to invest in youth and manage the shortage of signings. The priority will be to strengthen the squad with talented youngsters and maintain La Liga competitiveness while adjusting the budget to the new economic reality.
