Villarreal CF will bring an era to a close at the end of the current season, confirming that head coach Marcelino García Toral will leave the club following the conclusion of the campaign.
The decision marks the end of his second stint in charge, capping a period that has further strengthened his legacy at the Spanish club.
The experienced tactician returned to the Estadio de la Cerámica in 2023 and has since guided the team to back-to-back qualifications for the UEFA Champions League, achieving a milestone never previously reached in the club’s history.
“Villarreal CF and Marcelino García Toral will part ways at the end of the current campaign.”
Villarreal statement
His impact during this spell has been both immediate and lasting, restoring Villarreal’s competitive edge at the highest level of European football. Across his two tenures, spanning from 2013 to 2016 and again from 2023 to 2026, Marcelino has overseen a remarkable period of growth and consistency, guiding the Yellow Submarines to the UEFA Champions League with four games to spare.
He leaves as the most experienced coach in the club’s history, having taken charge of 298 matches in all competitions, while also becoming their most successful manager in terms of victories, with 145 wins to his name.
Villarreal acknowledged his immense contribution in an official statement, highlighting not just his achievements but also his dedication and professionalism throughout his time at the club.
A Legacy of Growth and European Ambition
Marcelino’s influence at Villarreal extends beyond statistics, shaping one of the most successful periods in the club’s modern history. During his first spell, he guided the team back to La Liga in 2013 and quickly established them as a competitive force domestically and in Europe.
Under his leadership, Villarreal secured five qualifications for European competitions, featuring prominently in both the Champions League and the UEFA Europa League.
One of the standout achievements came in 2016 when the club reached the semi final of the Uefa Europa League, underlining their growing stature on the continental stage.
He also led the team to the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey in 2015, further demonstrating their consistency across competitions. His return, seven years later, brought renewed ambition, culminating in consecutive Champions League qualifications, a feat that highlights both his tactical acumen and ability to build competitive squads over time.
Villarreal confirmed that Marcelino’s contributions will not go unrecognised, with plans in place to honour him during the final match of the league season. “Villarreal CF will pay tribute to him in the final La Liga match of the season against Atlético de Madrid, which will also serve as a celebration with the fans at Estadio de la Cerámica following UEFA Champions League qualification,” the statement read.
The club also issued a heartfelt message of appreciation, acknowledging the coach’s lasting imprint on their identity and progress.
“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, Marce. Thank you for everything you have given to this club and its supporters. We wish you all the best in your future sporting projects.”
Villarreal statement
As Villarreal prepare to move forward, Marcelino’s departure leaves behind a strong foundation built on discipline, structure, and European ambition. His tenure, across two distinct periods, will be remembered as one of the most transformative in the club’s history.
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