Spanish coach Iñigo Pérez continues to make headlines this season after leading Rayo Vallecano to the club's first-ever European final, following their victory over Strasbourg in the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa Conference League. They are set to face Crystal Palace in the anticipated final in Leipzig on May 27.

The former Athletic Bilbao coach confirmed that his experience under Argentine Marcelo Bielsa had a significant impact on his career, both as a player and as a coach, noting that Bielsa changed his understanding of football and even his outlook on life. He explained that many of his current coaching ideas are inspired by the Argentine coach's approach to dealing with and developing players.

Pérez also pointed out the similarities between the current Rayo Vallecano and Athletic Bilbao in the 2011-2012 season, when the Basque team, under Bielsa's guidance, reached the UEFA Europa League final and the Copa del Rey final, delivering remarkable performances on the European stage. He emphasized that the similarity lies in the team spirit and the way players embrace competition and ambition on the field.

At the same time, the Spanish coach stressed that he does not compare himself to Marcelo Bielsa, clarifying that what he is currently doing is benefiting from past experiences and trying to transfer them to Rayo Vallecano's players to help them achieve the best possible version of themselves in this historic season.