Fernando Roig says he suffers every game as Villarreal face Liverpool

Fernando Roig, president of Villarreal, admits he rarely enjoys matchday: “I don’t get nervous. It’s worse: I get worried, very anxious. I suffer a lot.” He is preparing for Tuesday’s trip to Anfield, where he expects real pressure even after a timely Champions League win.

Roig recalls his first experience as president, when he watched Villarreal lose 3-0 at a small, washed-out ground in the second tier against Badajoz. “But then, he doesn’t ever enjoy it much,” he says, insisting the feeling has never really changed—despite more than 1,000 games in the role.

Anfield brings the same stress

He says that the day before Liverpool will look familiar: watch morning training with the squad, travel together, eat after, and before the match he will also check the under-19s session. Still, he adds that the game itself is what he dislikes: “It’s emotional to play Liverpool.” Roig underlines that it will be Villarreal’s fifth meeting with Liverpool and the third at Anfield, with the other two coming in European semi-finals.

After their Napoli win—their first in the competition since before the 2022 semi-final—Roig says he felt better the next day. Before Anfield, though, he points to more stress: Elche play comes on Saturday, then the Liverpool game. Source: The Guardian.