Iñigo Pérez

Coaching career Pérez retired at the end of 2021–22 at the age of 34, having made 85 official appearances during his spell at the El Sadar Stadium. Subsequently, he joined the coaching staff of his former Athletic teammate Andoni Iraola at Rayo Vallecano.

Pérez was supposed to move alongside Iraola to Bournemouth in the Premier League in summer 2023; however, this did not happen due to work permit issues. He returned to the Campo de Fútbol de Vallecas – now as a manager in his own right – on 14 February 2024, following Francisco's dismissal. In his first match four days later, his side drew 1–1 at home to Real Madrid.

In the semi-finals of the 2025–26 UEFA Conference League, Pérez's Rayo disposed of France's Strasbourg 2–0 on aggregate. However, they lost 1–0 to Crystal Palace in the final.

On 1 June 2026, Pérez replaced Marcelino García Toral at the helm of Villarreal on a three-year contract.

Career statistics

Managerial statistics

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Honours Player Athletic Bilbao Copa del Rey runner-up: 2011–12 UEFA Europa League runner-up: 2011–12

Osasuna Segunda División: 2018–19

Manager Rayo Vallecano UEFA Conference League runner-up: 2025–26