Fernando Roig: The Stressful Joy of Villarreal's Journey

For Fernando Roig, the president of Villarreal, the tension is palpable as his club gears up for a showdown with Liverpool in the Champions League. This match at Anfield is more than just a game; it symbolizes the incredible progress Villarreal has made over the years. Roig's first experience as president was a stark contrast. He recalls watching Villarreal lose 3-0 to Badajoz in a nearly empty stadium, a far cry from the European nights they now face. "I don’t get nervous; I get worried, very anxious," he admits. "I suffer a lot." As Villarreal prepares for their fifth encounter with Liverpool, this time at Anfield, Roig is already feeling the weight of expectation. The 79-year-old shares his routine: attending morning training, traveling with the team, and soaking in the atmosphere. Yet, when it comes to the match itself, he finds little enjoyment. "It’s very stressful for me," he confesses. The day after Villarreal's recent victory against Napoli, Roig is in his office at Pamesa, the ceramics company he owns. The tension has eased, but he knows it’s a temporary reprieve. "I can enjoy it today, tomorrow, and the day after that, until Elche comes on Saturday," he says, bracing himself for the next round of anxiety. So why does he put himself through this? Roig explains that the satisfaction of seeing the community thrive and enjoy the game makes it all worthwhile. "People spend money to come and watch, and we want to give them a reason to enjoy it," he states. Reflecting on Villarreal's past, Roig recalls the humble beginnings of the club. In 1997, when he took over, Villarreal was struggling, with a dilapidated stadium and few resources. He remembers thinking, "So this is how it starts," as they fought for survival. They had barely 1,500 members and were in dire financial straits, with a debt of nearly €80 million. His journey began with a plea for stability rather than immediate success. Villarreal had spent most of its existence in the lower leagues and had never seen the top flight. Roig, who had experience in sports management, recognized an opportunity in Villarreal’s struggles. "All my factories are here; this is where I could give back to the community," he explains. He had previously led the Pamesa Valencia basketball team to success and felt he could do the same for Villarreal. The path wasn’t easy, with ups and downs, including relegations and promotions. Roig recounts the painful experience of relegation in 2012, a moment that haunts him. They started that season in the Champions League but found themselves relegated in the final minutes of the last game. It was a stark reminder of the fragility of football. To keep Villarreal afloat, Roig sold a portion of his stake in Mercadona to stabilize finances. The club, now distinct from the Pamesa group, has a renewed focus on survival each season. "42 points and it’s time to raise a toast," Roig emphasizes, even as aspirations to build on their past successes remain strong.