Football Season Guide

Villarreal started the 2017/18 season poorly under Fran Escriba and he was sacked just six matches into the season, with B team coach Javi Calleja taking over at that point. Under Calleja, Villarreal significantly improved and they climbed from 14th up to fifth. It stands to reason that with Calleja having a full 38-game campaign, as well as a pre-season with his squad, Villarreal stand a better chance in the 2018/19 LaLiga season. Calleja has proven he has what it takes to coach at the top level and Villarreal should feel they are in safe hands. As for the squad, it looks to be improved compared to last year. While the exit of midfielder Rodri is a massive blow, especially as he won the ball back for Villarreal more times in 2017/18 than any other player, they have strengthened in other areas, with Ramiro Funes Mori and Miguel Layun coming in to boost the defence and with Gerard Moreno and Karl Toko Ekambi arriving to make Villarreal much more deadly up front. Should Carlos Bacca – who was on loan from AC Milan last year and who they club have been trying to sign again – come back then they’ll be truly stacked in attack. Another interesting acquisition has been that of Santi Cazorla, who is recovering from his injury hell with Villarreal and who could play for them if his recuperation goes well. If he does then he’d add experience and control to their midfield. The improved squad is just one reason why Villarreal can feel more confident about the upcoming campaign, while they’ll also expect to suffer fewer injuries this year. They had more injuries than most LaLiga teams in 2017/18 and if they’re not as unlucky in this department this year then this will logically be a major plus.