Javier Calleja comments on Villarreal dismissal

Javi Calleja appeared on the El Transistor radio show hosted by José Ramón de la Morena in Onda Cera, where he reflected about his departure from the managerial position with Villarreal. He said

I was aware of it and was waiting for them to communicate him the news. They had some doubts and they didn’t trust we could react

I don’t hold any grudge but I’m hurt. I don’t think they will call me again, it’s the end of a period. Now it’s the turn of Unai Emery and I hope he puts it as high as possible. I’m hurt by the way this has happened, I would have done it different

He also said how the reaction of the players is something he will treasure.

His comments are very telling as it seems he was well aware of this decision before the break, and he has opted to say goodbye leaving the team in Europe, something that won’t be taken away from him. While his time with Villarreal have been weird: promoted after Fran Escribá was fired, his first season from the start gets fired to be rehired later on, and having to leave now once the objective of achieving Europe has been completed. Who knows what the future holds for him, but continuing in Primera, or maybe craft his trade in Segunda, wouldn’t be out of the question. He may have not been the best coach Villarreal has had, but in the end his work is there. Gracias Calleja!