There are plenty of people who get nervous before a big game at Anfield. But Fernando Roig has admitted that, when Villarreal face Liverpool, nervousness doesn’t even begin to describe how he feels.
“I don’t get nervous. It’s worse: I get worried, very anxious. I suffer a lot.”
That was the Villarreal owner’s honest response when speaking to The Guardian ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League meeting with Liverpool.
And I have to say, I quite like hearing this sort of thing from the people on the other side.
We spend so much time talking about tactics, team selections, transfers and results that it’s easy to forget what these European nights mean to everyone involved. For Liverpool supporters, Anfield under the lights is something special. But for the people arriving with the opposition, it can be an incredibly intimidating experience too.
Roig has been involved with Villarreal for nearly 30 years. He’s watched more than 1,000 games as president, yet the feeling hasn’t gone away.
If anything, it sounds as though it gets worse.
“It’s emotional to play Liverpool”
Roig didn’t hide how much this particular fixture means to him.
He explained that this will be the fifth time Villarreal have faced Liverpool, and the third time they’ve played at Anfield. The previous two meetings were European semi-finals — including the dramatic Champions League tie in 2022.
He also described the routine around the trip: watching the team’s morning training session, travelling with the squad, eating together and then returning to the hotel before the match.
The following morning, he plans to watch Villarreal’s under-19s before facing the part of the trip he likes least.
The game itself.
As Roig put it, the team will then fly home very late, with the whole experience proving “very stressful”.
I found that detail quite amusing. Here’s a man who has spent decades running a football club, experienced huge European occasions and watched Villarreal grow into a respected force in Spanish football — and he still admits he doesn’t enjoy watching his team play.
I suspect plenty of supporters can relate to that feeling.
You can love football and still find the actual 90 minutes absolutely unbearable when your team is involved.
Liverpool and Villarreal have history
This isn’t just another Champions League fixture for Roig.
Villarreal and Liverpool have met in major European ties before, most memorably in the 2022 Champions League semi-final.
Liverpool won the first leg 2-0 at Anfield, but Villarreal made life extremely uncomfortable in the return leg in Spain, scoring twice before half-time to level the tie on aggregate. Liverpool eventually fought back to win 3-2 on the night and 5-2 overall.
It was a reminder that Villarreal should never be underestimated in Europe.
They may not have the financial power or global profile of Liverpool, Real Madrid or Barcelona, but they’ve built a club capable of competing on the biggest stage.
Roig has played a huge part in that journey. He has invested in the stadium, training facilities and academy, while trying to ensure Villarreal remain financially sustainable rather than spending beyond their means.
That makes his comments about Liverpool even more interesting. He isn’t simply a wealthy owner turning up for a glamorous night. He’s someone who has spent decades building a club and knows exactly how much these occasions matter.
Anfield is still a special place to visit
We Liverpool supporters know what Anfield can do on a European night.
We’ve seen it against Barcelona, Chelsea, Roma and countless other opponents. The atmosphere can change a game, and the players aren’t the only people who feel it.
Roig’s comments are a reminder that the occasion starts well before kick-off. There’s the preparation, the travelling, the build-up and the knowledge that one result can shape an entire European campaign.
Of course, Villarreal won’t arrive simply to admire the stadium. They’ll want to make life difficult for Liverpool and take something from the game.
And Liverpool will need to be ready for that.
But I like the respect Roig has shown. He spoke warmly about how well Villarreal are treated when they visit Liverpool, adding that his club tries to return that hospitality.
That’s how European football should be. Fierce competition on the pitch, respect between clubs away from it.
I hope Liverpool give him something to worry about
There’s a match to win, of course, and Liverpool cannot afford to get carried away by a few nice comments.
Villarreal are experienced enough to punish any complacency, and their previous European meetings with Liverpool prove that.
But I hope the Reds make it a memorable night for their own supporters.
Roig might be dreading the match, but that’s part of football. When your team walks out at Anfield, the nerves come with it — even if you’ve been watching from the directors’ box for 30 years.
His comments have given us a lovely little insight into the person behind Villarreal, and I respect his honesty.
“I suffer a lot.”
I think a fair few Liverpool supporters will be nodding along to that one.
The difference is that, on Tuesday night, I want the only people suffering at Anfield to be wearing yellow.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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