Fernando Roig's emotional struggle

Villarreal president Fernando Roig says he suffers anxiety before Liverpool matches despite 30 years in charge.

“I suffer a lot”

First Liverpool match experience

Roig watched Villarreal lose 3-0 to Badajoz in the second division in 1997.

Longest presidency in Europe

Roig has been Villarreal president for 30 years, overseeing 1,000+ games.

Liverpool match anxiety

Roig says he gets anxious before Liverpool games, watching training sessions and traveling late.

First Champions League win

Villarreal beat Napoli in the Champions League, their first win since 2022 semi-final.

Family and leadership

Roig's son Fernando and daughter Elena help run Villarreal with his Pamesa ceramics business.

Early struggles

Villarreal started in the second division with 1,500 members and €80m debt in 1997.

Building the club

Roig built Villarreal from scratch with training grounds, a stadium, and an academy.

Financial investments

Roig invested €200m over 30 years, with €180m spent on stadium and training facilities.

Player development

Villarreal developed players like Santi Cazorla and Rodri through their academy.

Liverpool rivalry

Villarreal has faced Liverpool five times, three at Anfield in European semi-finals.

2021 Europa League win

Villarreal won the 2021 Europa League, but Roig missed the final due to Covid.

Sustainable model

Villarreal focuses on sustainability with modest salaries and no player sales.

Next steps

Roig says Villarreal will face Liverpool again, but he suffers anxiety before each match.