Official: Villarreal Parts Ways with Champions League-Qualifying Coach

Villarreal manager Marcelino García Toral will depart the club at the end of the season, the club officially announced. He will not renew his contract, which is set to expire. According to “AS,” disagreements arose between Marcelino and the club management regarding the duration of a potential new contract and their vision for the club's project in the coming seasons.

This news comes as a blow to the team, as Marcelino was instrumental in guiding them to two consecutive UEFA Champions League qualifications. Last season, the “Yellow Submarine” finished fifth in La Liga, securing a spot in Europe's most prestigious club competition, though they failed to advance past the group stage. Just last weekend, Villarreal guaranteed their Champions League participation for the upcoming autumn season and are even favorites to clinch the bronze medals.

Nevertheless, rumors of Marcelino's departure had been circulating for some time. The farewell was delivered via a social media post featuring a photo of the coach and a brief message: “Thank you, Marcel.”

“Villarreal and the Asturian coach will go their separate ways at the end of the season. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts, Marcel, for everything you have given to this club and its fans. We wish you all the best in your future sporting endeavors,” read the message from Villarreal's official social media account.

As early as December and January, it became clear that both parties couldn't agree on a contract renewal. At that time, the club and the coach decided to focus on achieving their sporting objectives and set aside the individual situation and the specialist's future. With the goal now accomplished, the time has come to confirm Marcelino's second departure from the Villarreal dugout.

While his first separation from the club saw him dismissed just days before the start of the season (August 10, 2016), this time both sides were adamant about parting ways amicably, acknowledging their achievements and long-standing relationship. Upon his return, Marcelino stated that things wouldn't end as they did the first time, and his goal was to conclude his tenure positively.

The coach had pushed for a long-term contract, while Villarreal offered only a one-year extension, aiming to optimize investments and return to a policy of relying on academy graduates and young players.

This announcement marks the end of Marcelino's second stint at the helm of the “Yellow Submarine,” totaling seven seasons. With 294 matches, he steps down as the coach with the most games in the club's history, surpassing Manuel Pellegrini (259). His statistics are impressive: 145 wins, 71 draws, and 78 losses, with a goal difference of 334:246, translating to a success rate of nearly 50%.

His first period spanned from the middle of the 2012/13 season to the 2015/16 campaign. During that time, he led the team to promotion, two Europa League qualifications, and one Champions League qualification, as well as reaching the semi-finals of both the Copa del Rey and the Europa League.

His second tenure began in the 2023/24 season. He successfully rescued the team during a critical period, subsequently guiding them to the Europa League and two consecutive Champions League qualifications – an unprecedented achievement in Villarreal's history.