Villarreal Coach Inigo Perez: We Want to Win Against Dortmund in Champions League Debut

Villarreal head coach Inigo Perez said at the pre-match press conference that the team needs to adjust its mentality and seek an away win against Borussia Dortmund.

Villarreal have arrived in Germany and will face Borussia Dortmund away on Tuesday. Inigo Perez discussed the Champions League match and the team's injury situation.

Inigo Perez said: "I think it is necessary to adjust our mentality. We must put what has already happened aside and focus on such an important match, the game against Borussia Dortmund."

He said: "We have to forget what happened at this stadium last year, and also forget what happened two days ago. This is a completely new story, and we must face it with the same passion. We need to reignite our fighting spirit and create a new story, and all of this should start tomorrow. We must focus everyone's attention on the same goal, which is to seek a positive result and move forward in the same direction."

Speaking about the match objective, Inigo Perez said: "We need to, and want to, win here, just like we do in every La Liga match we play. We want to maintain our ambition, press opponents in the attacking area, and be solid defensively. However, so far we have not produced the performances we expected or achieved the results we expected, so we must turn this situation around. But nobody will doubt that we came to Dortmund to win."

Speaking about the opponent, he said: "Leaving aside tactical details, we expect to face a Borussia Dortmund similar to the one during Nico Kovac's time as coach. Overall, we can expect an opponent with a clear style, and we also know how difficult this team is to deal with."

Inigo Perez said: "We should not distinguish between different competitions. As footballers, we should face every competition in the same way. We have just gone through a difficult period and must turn it around. What we want to do tomorrow is win the match, then look at the Champions League badge on our sleeves and think that we will temporarily sit at the top of the table with three points."

Regarding the starting lineup, he said: "As for tomorrow's starting lineup, after we tell the players our decision, we will know whether there will be any changes."

Speaking about the performance against Deportivo La Coruna, he said: "If I say I was not satisfied, it is because although we took the lead first, we did not show that a coach had successfully convinced the players to enjoy the game even when leading. This is not criticism of the players, but my feeling about that match. The players must forget what has happened, free themselves, not be restrained, enjoy football, and enjoy a competition like the Champions League."

Inigo Perez said: "If I was excited when I joined Villarreal, it was because I wanted to be a Champions League coach and coach in the Champions League. I will not deny that I am looking forward to my Champions League debut, but I will not spend too much time on that. I am more focused on how to handle this match, play good football, and get a good result."

Inigo Perez said: "Luis Junior? Luis must prove his mentality, ability and potential, and also relieve the pressure on his shoulders. After that, whoever is in the best form in each match will play."