Íñigo Pérez has been appointed as new Rayo Vallecano head coach following the dismissal of Francisco Rodríguez.
The announcement has come following a string of disappointing performances, with Rayo winning just one of their last 11 matches in all competitions. The 36-year-old manager has signed an initial contract until the end of the current league campaign, with the board also including an option to extend his deal for another season based on his performance.
Pérez, who served as an assistant manager under Andoni Iraola last season, faces a tough challenge in his first match as manager against La Liga leaders Real Madrid. Los Blancos have lost just one game in the league all season and will come into this game as strong favourites.
Pérez, a former player for Athletic Club and Osasuna, will aim to revive Rayo’s fortunes with the help of Adrián López and Oscar García, who will join his new coaching setup. The new manager, who will hope he can guide 14th placed Rayo up the table in the second half of the season, has taken inspiration from Iraola in terms of his adopting his tactical philosophy.
Rajan Sangha | GSFN
