OffsAIde
·21 August 2026
Iñigo Pérez urges greater aggression before Atlético visit

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Yahoo sportsOffsAIde
·21 August 2026

Iñigo Pérez faces one of his first big tests on Sunday, when Villarreal visit Atlético Madrid at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano at 17.00. According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, the 2-2 draw in Santander offered hope but also lapses he wants fixed quickly.
He stressed the team must focus on their play, sharpen up in both boxes and cut out the passivity that led to two goals at El Sardinero. He warned that such errors are punished at this venue, while noting Atlético's identity remains clear under the same coach despite new signings.
After rewatching, he felt the opening 15 minutes were good, but highlighted a later spell marked by defensive passivity near their box and offensive passivity in the final third. The week, he said, was about keeping what worked and eradicating what did not.
On selection, Pérez said doubts are natural and even healthy, and that Carlos Maciá brings stability in midfield. He added that Santiago Mouriño is adjusting to right-back and that there is genuine competition between Luiz Júnior and Péter Gulácsi.
With the window nearing its end, he called the market uncontrollable and did not rule out movement. He described Willy Kambwala in glowing terms and accepted his continuity is impossible.
Pérez also defended Luiz Júnior after a mistake in Santander, insisting errors are part of the game and that stance applies to the whole squad.
Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo
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