MADRID (AP) — Rayo Vallecano coach Iñigo Perez has resigned two days after the modest Spanish club lost in the Conference League final.
Pérez led Rayo, a small club based in his hometown of Madrid, to their first major final. Lost 1-0 to Crystal Palace.
Rayo president Martin Presa confirmed in a press conference on Friday that Perez has no intention of signing a new contract as his current contract expires.
The 38-year-old former player was an assistant under former Rayo manager Andoni Iraola, who left to take charge of Bournemouth in 2023. Perez took over as head coach in January 2024 and quickly impressed with his calm demeanor and the pressing style he instilled in the team.
In the 2024-25 season, Perez led Rayo to 8th place in La Liga, good enough to qualify for Europe for the first time in 20 years.
Perez has not said where his next job will be. There are rumors that he will move to Villarreal, who will play in the Champions League next season.
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