Marcelino García Toral Era
From Athletic Bilbao midfielder to Villarreal manager: Iñigo Pérez's journey.
Marcelino García Toral's first appointment at Villarreal was in 2013, not 2014. He was replaced by Iñigo Pérez on 1 June 2026.
Quick Facts
- Role
- Head Coach
- First appointment
- 2014
- Tenures
- Multiple Stints
- Stadium
- Estadio de la Cerámica
- Style
- Possession-based Attacking Football
- Club identity
- Yellow Submarine
Lore & Background
Iñigo Pérez Soto (born 18 January 1988) is a Spanish former professional footballer who played as a central midfielder. He is the manager of La Liga club Villarreal, having replaced Marcelino García Toral on 1 June 2026 on a three-year contract.
Reader's Guide
Pérez's managerial career began at Rayo Vallecano, where he took over on 14 February 2024. He led the team to the 2025–26 UEFA Conference League final, losing 1–0 to Crystal Palace. He was appointed Villarreal manager on 1 June 2026.
Did You Know?
- Pérez made his debut for Athletic Bilbao's main squad on 28 October 2009 in a Copa del Rey match.
- He scored his first official goal for Athletic Bilbao on 3–0 home victory over Mallorca in the 2010–11 season.
- Pérez was loaned to Huesca in March 2011 due to a special exception after the winter transfer window had closed.
- He retired at the end of the 2021–22 season at age 34, having made 85 official appearances for Osasuna.
More in Club History & Eras
Elsewhere in Villarreal CF
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