Aston Villa appoints Natalia Arroyo as head coach

Aston Villa has appointed Natalia Arroyo as the new head coach of their Women's Super League team on a three-and-a-half-year deal, pending visa approval. The 38-year-old Spaniard previously managed Real Sociedad, where she led the team to a Copa de la Reina final and secured a second-place finish in Liga F. Arroyo will make her debut with Aston Villa against Chelsea on February 2. Villa's president of football operations, Monchi, expressed confidence in Arroyo's passion and coaching approach, stating she has the necessary tools for success. Lee Billiard, head of women's football at Villa, noted that Arroyo's playing style and philosophy align well with the club's vision. Arroyo replaces Robert de Pauw, who was sacked in December after a tumultuous tenure.