New Rayo Vallecano manager Iñigo Pérez has insisted he does not like comparisons to Bournemouth coach Andoni Iraola, as he takes up his old job.
Infobae cover comments from the Spanish coach today as he was presented as the new manager at Rayo following the sacking of Francisco Rodríguez.
The 36-year-old is returning to the Spanish side less than a year after his departure from the club, having previously been a part of Iraola’s coaching staff.
The plan had been to accompany in his move to Bournemouth but that did not come to fruition as issues with work visa papers prevented him from becoming the assistant manager for the Cherries.
He’s been unemployed in the months since, presumably watching frustrated as Iraola and Bournemouth have eventually proven to be a smart match.
He’s now been given his chance to make his mark at Rayo and the move has naturally brought up comparisons to Iraola, who led the team from the second division into La Liga and remains a firm fan favourite.
The feeling, perhaps even hope, is that Pérez will follow in the Bournemouth coach’s footsteps, but he’s insisted he does not like such comparisons.
“It is an exciting day for me, although it is true that one has empathy and sensitivity and it is difficult for everyone,” he said.
“You enter because someone leaves, I understand it that way. Still, I am very happy. In the summer there was an option to come, but I didn’t feel it was my own. The person who was here (Iraola) had created something and I wanted to continue.
“We are aware that my idea of football comes from Iraola and the coaches with whom we have shared a dressing room. We have shared many years in professional football and, having said that, we must not deceive anyone.
“The idea is similar, that is why we have worked together, and the club wants to carry the idea and the line that I like.
“I understand that comparison when this process happens, as it happened at Real Madrid with Ancelotti and Zidane or at Barcelona with Guardiola and Tito Vilanova.
“We came from being together as a teenager in the residence and I see the comparison as something natural. I don’t like it. It’s scary, I manage it naturally, but when the time comes there is a fragmentation and Iraola is one and I am another.”
