Iñigo Pérez: “Today, I will finally be able to sleep”

Iñigo Pérez savors his first win with Villarreal, acknowledging the significant weight lifted off their shoulders. The Navarra-born coach emphasized his team's ability to recover after conceding the opening goal against Málaga.

Resilience in the face of adversity: “We’ve seen this scenario before. The key was overcoming the first goal, considering our recent form, and continuing to play our game. It was a complete performance against a challenging opponent, and I’m satisfied.”

Regarding Moleiro: “This is our usual setup, regardless of the player occupying the number 10 role. Although his characteristics might suggest a 4-4-2, I believe Moleiro's natural position should be that of a deep-lying playmaker. He also performs well out wide. I felt it was the right time to try him in that position. He did well, and we’ll continue exploring new options within the squad.”

It’s important to remember we started the game losing. In those moments, doubts could have easily surfaced.

Iñigo Pérez

A morale boost: “Yes, and we must also consider that we conceded first. Doubts, the fear of another defeat, and similar anxieties could have easily appeared. Now, I’m very happy with the win and how we achieved it. The team showed serenity and mental strength, proving they can do it. It’s time to analyze, correct, process, and enjoy this moment. We’ll see how we respond next.”

Comesaña's injury: “I haven’t discussed Santi's situation with the referee. It was an exchange of opinions. If Santi leaves the field voluntarily, it means he’s in pain or injured. We’ll await the test results. His departure was a significant loss for the match; hopefully, it’s not serious.”

If Santi leaves the field voluntarily, it means he’s in pain or injured. We’ll await the test results.

Iñigo Pérez

Strong individual performances: “Often, you don’t know when individual performance, collective play, and a favorable result will align in a single match. Today, all three elements came together. Other times, we’ve had two out of three and fallen short, or even just one, or none. I believe it’s crucial that we can amplify individual performances, like those of Ayoze, Ilias, and Moleiro, who occupy difficult-to-defend spaces on the field. They are also players committed to defensive effort and pressing.”

Penalty taker dispute: “Regarding the penalty takers, the emotions and context within the match differ from what’s visible externally, so sometimes you lack complete information to manage those situations. I saw the typical exchange between two players eager to take the penalty. I don't believe it will escalate, as they have an excellent relationship.”

I saw the typical exchange between two players eager to take the penalty. I don't believe it will escalate.

Iñigo Pérez

Switching to a three-man defense late in the game: “Yes, that's something often misunderstood in football. They brought on a second striker. At that point, we were marking man-to-man, holding a one-goal lead, and it felt too risky. We wanted a three-on-two advantage in the last line. Often, without dropping too deep, a line of five plus four can create opportunities for you to transition. I don’t mind playing with more defenders; in small-sided training games, defenders often win against forwards. It’s about the approach, the intention, where you defend, and at what height. I'm pleased with that decision; it was a delicate moment. We used to have a tendency to defend too deep in our own area, but not today. The tactical choices are made based on the match situation.”

You feel relief for the players, for the president and his family, who treat me very well.

Iñigo Pérez

How he feels: “Today, I will sleep. The last time, I didn’t. Today, I will sleep. There's a sense of liberation for the players, for the president and his family, who are very supportive and concerned about me. They see my struggle, so this victory is very welcome and freeing for everyone. I remain cautious. We did many things well and secured the win, but they’ve also fueled a demanding, perfectionist mindset. If they’ve achieved this today, I won’t let them lower their standards. At the very least, we’ll try to maintain this level and hopefully close this first part of the season with a win at La Cerámica.”