Villarreal president Fernando Roig has expressed strong confidence in new head coach Inigo Perez ahead of the upcoming La Liga season, declaring the club has assembled a stronger squad than the one that finished third last year. Speaking at a press conference, Roig described the new project as 'very exciting' and set a clear ambition: a third consecutive Champions League qualification.

Roig's Confidence in the New Setup

Villarreal parted ways with coach Marcelino Garcia Toral following last season's third-place finish in La Liga, which secured Champions League football for a second straight year. The club turned to Inigo Perez, 38, who had impressed by guiding Rayo Vallecano to the Conference League final last season.

'We have a new project with a new coach, and it's very exciting. He's a young and very hard-working manager. I think we have a better squad than last season,' Roig said. He added: 'He's arrived eager to work and achieve important things. He and his coaching staff will lead us to good results.'

Carlos Romero Highlighted as Key Return

Among the returning players, Roig singled out left-back Carlos Romero, who rejoins the squad following a successful loan stint at Espanyol. 'He was the best full-back in La Liga last season,' Roig said, underlining the importance of Villarreal's youth development pipeline in sustaining long-term competitiveness.

Redemption in Europe on the Agenda

Villarreal's most recent Champions League group-stage campaign was a chastening one — the club suffered seven defeats and managed just one draw, finishing without a single win. Roig made clear that improving on that record is a priority. 'It's very important, and it would be even better if we could qualify for three years in a row. That's the goal we have to set for next year,' he said.

Gulacsi Signed as First Summer Arrival

On the transfer front, Villarreal have completed the signing of veteran Hungary goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi from RB Leipzig — the club's first acquisition of the summer window. The 36-year-old has penned a two-year contract, with the Spanish club reportedly paying around €1 million for his services.

Gulacsi departs Leipzig after 362 appearances across 11 seasons, having joined from Red Bull Salzburg in 2015. He began his career at Liverpool but never made a senior appearance for the club, spending loan spells at Tranmere Rovers and Hull City before making his name in the Bundesliga.

With a revamped coaching staff, a reinforced squad, and renewed European ambition, Villarreal will look to Perez to deliver consistency both domestically and on the continent when the new La Liga season gets underway.