Villarreal make official arrival of new coach

A number of names have been bandied about in recent days for Villarreal's new coach, but it is former Valladolid man Pacheta who is taking over the reins of a team that has been struggling at the start of the season.

With three defeats in four La Liga games, the Yellow Submarine decided to part ways with Quique Setirn at the start of the week. Raul, Julen Lopetegui and Javi Gracia were all approached, but none of them will be coming in the end.

At the age of 55, Jose Rojo Martin, better known as Pacheta, has spent time at a number of clubs since making his coaching debut in 2009. After beginning his career with Numancia, the native of Burgos province has had spells with a number of second division clubs, including Oviedo, Cartagena, Hercules, Elche, Huesca and Real Valladolid, whose first season in La Liga did not go so well in 2022/23.

Ronaldo's club decided to sack him after a 6-0 defeat at the Santiago Bernabeu in April. Pacheta has also had experience abroad, with spells at Kielce (Poland) and Ratchaburi Mitr Phil (Thailand).

Villarreal have announced that "the official presentation press conference will take place next Monday at 12.30pm", before a training session open to the public in the afternoon. His first match will be against Almeria.

 

September 9, 2023