Pellegrini wants more from Villarreal

Manuel Pellegrini has enjoyed a successful four years at the helm of Villarreal CF but as they prepare for the UEFA Champions League group stage he has emphasised that now is not the time for his team to rest on their laurels.

Exciting adventure
Pellegrini has taken Villarreal on an incredible journey since joining the club for the 2004/05 campaign, guiding the Yellow Submarine to successive Primera División finishes of third, seventh, fifth and, last term, second. And as his players returned for pre-season training, the Chilean tactician is eyeing yet more progress in Spain and Europe. "I hope this season will be better than past ones but worse than those that are to come," said the 54-year-old, who also guided the club to the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League in 2006. "I want Villarreal to continue to grow. Personally, I'm very happy because at this club your work is evaluated year after year. This year I'm unfortunately going to be the longest-serving manager [in Spain's top division]; I say unfortunately because the league has lost a great coach in [former FC Barcelona boss] Frank Rijkaard."

No looking back
A highest-ever league placing behind champions Real Madrid CF – and ahead of Rijkaard's Barça – last season has given Villarreal automatic entry to the last 32 of the UEFA Champions League for the first time. It is a story that many see as romantic, especially as the club only made their Spanish top-flight debut in 1998, but Pellegrini knows there is no time to dwell on past achievements. "Our objectives are always being renewed and you get nothing now for what you've done in the past," added the former CA River Plate coach. "We have to once again start from zero and continue to put in high-quality performances. We're aiming to do well in all competitions but we know that there are very strong teams out there. If we say to ourselves we have to win a title, then we may end up feeling frustrated with so many other powerful teams in our league."

Future plans
Villarreal have been busy this summer, bringing in the likes of Joseba Llorente, Edmílson, Ariel Ibagza and Jozy Altidore to add strength to an already talented squad. Young players such as Robert Flores and Damián Escudero have also arrived at El Madrigal but were immediately loaned out to gain experience, proving the staff also have an eye on the future. "Villarreal are continuing along the lines of the present and the future," Pellegrini said. "I'm very happy because we have a great squad with a lot of quality, although this has to be shown on the pitch."