Iñigo Pérez says Leipzig final will not decide his future as Villarreal choose him to replace Marcelino | OneFootball

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, Villarreal have chosen Rayo Vallecano head coach Iñigo Pérez to replace Marcelino from 1 July, and Pérez said the Leipzig final will not decide his future.

Villarreal and Marcelino will part on 1 July, a split announced last Monday after renewal talks failed. Public clarity over their next steps was delayed until Champions League qualification was sealed by a big win over Levante at the Estadio de la Cerámica.

Pérez now faces persistent questions around Rayo. Speaking on Sunday before Rayo v Girona on Monday at 21.00, he said his decision is clear and considered, it is not the time to reveal it, and he is very happy.

The 38-year-old has a preliminary agreement for two seasons plus an optional year. Any announcement is paused until Rayo confirm safety and complete their UEFA Europa Conference League run, which ends with the final on Wednesday 27 May in Leipzig against Crystal Palace.

He called recent days beautiful after reaching the final, granted the squad a rest, and said the tight turnaround fixes minds on Girona. He framed Monday as as important as the win in Strasbourg because it can deliver survival.

Ilias Akhomach, on loan from Villarreal until 30 June and due back in summer under Pérez, suffered a physical problem in the Strasbourg second leg. The Moroccan will miss Monday but could be ready for Leipzig.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo