Iñigo Pérez: “We must put aside what happened last year and two days ago”

Iñigo Pérez wants Villarreal to treat its Champions League opener against Borussia Dortmund as a clean break from its recent troubles. Speaking in Dortmund on Monday, the coach said the team must move beyond both last season’s poor European campaign and Saturday’s disappointing result against Deportivo La Coruña.

“Players feel defeats, but when you have a match tomorrow, you have to focus on that,” Pérez said. “This is a new story and we have to approach it that way. Tomorrow we have the chance to start again. It is another match, away from home.”

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Players feel defeats, but when you have a match tomorrow, you have to focus on that.

The coach said Villarreal’s intention was to win on Tuesday, while acknowledging that the team “has not been accurate so far.” He said Dortmund has retained the same coach and structure for several years.

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This is a new story and we have to approach it that way. Tomorrow we have the chance to start again. It is another match, away from home.

Pérez confirmed that Foyth and Romero would miss the match because of injury. Villarreal has started the season in a negative run, he said, but must compete at full intensity rather than separate its approach according to whether the match is in the Champions League, league or cup.

“I am excited” about the Champions League debut, Pérez said. He did not reveal which goalkeeper would start against Borussia Dortmund.

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I am excited.