Old acquaintances from Elche are in trouble
Villarreal CF has confirmed the dismissal of José Rojo Martín, known as Pacheta, from his role as head coach of the first team. The former Elche promoter, who helped Elche reach the First Division back in the summer of 2020, saw his tenure at Villarreal wrap up after a relatively short spell with just two league wins to his name. The outcome of those results ended any lingering chances of him taking charge of a major club in Spain’s top flight for the foreseeable future.
His stint with Villarreal lasted only two months, and the timing of the announcement adds heat to a weekend marking a crucial test for the club. The departure comes just two days before Villarreal is set to face Atlético de Madrid at the Metropolitano, a match that carries significant implications for the Yellow Submarine as they aim to stabilize their season amid changing leadership on the touchline.
Layoffs appeared one day after the team celebrated a Europa League victory against Maccabi Haifa, a 2-1 win achieved on Cypriot soil that briefly lifted spirits in a campaign that has not always gone Villarreal’s way. The club stated formally that José Rojo Martín, Pacheta, no longer belongs to the yellow discipline. Villarreal expressed gratitude for his work, dedication, professionalism, commitment, and the sense of closeness he and his coaching staff demonstrated during their time with the club, and extended best wishes for his professional future.
The former Elche and Valladolid boss stepped onto the Villarreal bench in mid-September, taking over from Quique Setién. In twelve matches under his guidance, the team recorded five wins, three draws, and four losses. In La Liga, the club sat in the thirteenth position with twelve points, a snapshot that partly explains why the decision was made to pursue a new direction at this juncture of the season.
Pacheta in his last game coaching Villarreal CF
REUTERS/YIANNIS KO
temporary technician
Villarreal announced that the training would be led by the club’s director of football, Miguel Ángel Tena. On Saturday, José Manuel Llaneza would be present at the Sports City and would join the pre-match press conference on the eve of the game against Atlético Madrid, with Tena also expected to sit on the bench for the Madrid fixture. The arrangement underscores Villarreal’s intent to maintain continuity on the training ground while a longer-term solution is explored.
According to the Europa Press agency, Pacheta’s dismissal marks the fourth stint of the 2023-24 season where a First Division coach has left their post. The exits so far include Vicente Moreno at Almería, Quique Setién at Villarreal, and José Luis Mendilibar at Sevilla, reflecting a year of rapid leadership changes across Spain’s top tier. In this moment, Villarreal’s leadership is signaling a shift in strategy as they navigate a demanding schedule that tests depth, resilience, and tactical adaptability.
As the club turns a new page, the focus sharpens on how quickly the squad can adapt to fresh ideas and a new coach on the horizon. The next match against Atlético Madrid looms large, offering a chance to reset the season’s trajectory and demonstrate the squad’s capacity to respond to a changing managerial landscape with resolve and unity.