Inigo Perez Signs Contract Extension with Rayo Vallecano
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Synopsis
On April 16, Rayo Vallecano confirmed the extension of coach Inigo Perez's contract until June 2026. Since taking over in February 2024, Perez has significantly improved the team's performance, steering them away from relegation and into 10th place in La Liga, with European qualification now a possibility.
Key Takeaways
- Inigo Perez's contract extended until June 2026.
- Rayo Vallecano currently ranks 10th in La Liga.
- Perez's aggressive style has led to potential European qualification.
- Sevilla sacked coach Xavier Garcia Pimienta recently.
- Joaquin Caparros appointed as interim coach for Sevilla.
Madrid, April 16 (NationPress) The La Liga team Rayo Vallecano declared on Wednesday that they have extended the contract of their coach Inigo Perez for an additional season, lasting until the end of June 2026. At just 37 years old, Perez has performed remarkably since he took over from Francisco Rodriguez at the Vallecas Stadium in February 2024, a time when Rayo was facing relegation.
Under his guidance, Rayo secured their safety in the league during his initial months in charge, and currently, the team holds the 10th position in La Liga, with potential European qualification on the horizon thanks to Perez's dynamic and aggressive playing style, which emphasizes high pressing against opponents.
According to the official Rayo website, "The coach joined the club just over a year ago, and his commendable efforts in the dugout have earned him the club’s trust for another year," reports Xinhua.
Perez has garnered attention from other clubs, including speculation about a possible return to Osasuna, where he spent significant time during his playing career, and Athletic Bilbao, which might consider him as a long-term replacement for Ernesto Valverde.
In related news, Sevilla recently dismissed coach Xavier Garcia Pimienta following a string of poor results, appointing veteran Joaquin Caparros to lead the team through the rest of the season.
Garcia Pimienta, who had a contract extending to June 2027, faced the consequences of a streak of four consecutive losses in La Liga, culminating in a 1-0 defeat against Valencia on Friday night.
Recent performances have left Sevilla in 13th place in La Liga, diminishing their chances of European qualification for the upcoming season, and placing them only seven points above the relegation zone.
The former Barcelona B and Las Palmas coach is the latest among a series of coaches to be let go by the club in the last two years, following Julen Lopetegui, Jorge Sampaoli, Jose Luis Mendilibar (despite leading the club to glory in the Conference League), Diego Alonso, and Quique Sanchez Flores. The seasoned Caparros, who previously managed Sevilla from 2000 to 2005, has also served as caretaker coach on two occasions in 2018 and 2019.
