Key Takeaways
- Villarreal CF will confirm Marcelino Garcia Toral’s exit next week after the team secures a place in the UEFA Champions League.
- Poor results in Europe, limited use of academy players, and a breakdown in dressing room relations led to the decision.
- Rayo Vallecano manager Inigo Perez has reached a verbal agreement to replace Marcelino, though the contract remains unsigned.
Villarreal CF are preparing to announce that manager Marcelino Garcia Toral will leave the club at the end of the current campaign. The official statement will come next week once the team confirms its place in next season’s UEFA Champions League.
The Yellow Submarine require just one point from their final five matches to guarantee a top-four finish. They could secure qualification this weekend if Real Betis drop points, or if Villarreal avoid defeat against Levante.
Marcelino’s contract expires this summer. Talks about a new deal broke down several weeks ago. Both the coach and the club have now agreed to part ways.
Spanish radio station Cadena SER reports that several factors caused this split. Villarreal are set to finish third in La Liga and reach the Champions League for a second consecutive year. However, their poor performance in European competitions this season created major tension.
The coach also gave few opportunities to young players from the academy during his two-and-a-half years in charge. His relationship with senior players has grown difficult. Marcelino is known for his intense management style, which often creates problems after a few seasons.
The club has already found his replacement. Officials have reached an agreement with Rayo Vallecano manager Inigo Perez. The deal is not yet signed, but Perez is expected to take over this summer.
The current Rayo Vallecano boss has impressed in his first European campaign. He guided his side to the Conference League semi-finals. Villarreal hope he can improve their fortunes in continental tournaments.
Other candidates included Michel Sanchez of Girona and former Real Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil. However, Perez is now the clear choice to take charge at the Estadio de la Cerámica next term.