Villarreal have officially announced the departure of Marcelino at the end of the season. The Spanish coach had just qualified the Yellow Submarine for the Champions League for the second consecutive year.
The official statement came on Monday, May 4, two days after Villarreal’s decisive 5-1 victory over Levante, securing their direct qualification for the Champions League. Despite securing their spot in the UCL with four rounds to go, the Yellow Submarine and their coach, Marcelino, have announced the end of their collaboration at the end of the season.
“Villarreal CF will pay tribute to him during the final LaLiga match against Atletico de Madrid, which will be an opportunity to celebrate the Champions League victory with the fans at the Estadio de la Ceramica,” the Spanish club stated in their release.
In Villarreal’s history
This decision comes as a surprise. Returning in 2023 after a brief stint with Marseille, Marcelino led Villarreal to the Champions League for the second consecutive year, a first in the club’s history. He also became the team’s record holder for victories at the helm of the Yellow Submarine (145), achieved across three spells (2013-2016, 2017-2019, and 2023-2026).
In Spain, this announcement, although surprising on the surface, had been anticipated for several weeks. As detailed by Marca, difficulties with extending his contract are said to be the cause of the separation. Villarreal’s proposal reportedly did not meet the coach’s expectations, leading to the breakdown in negotiations. According to the Spanish press, the club’s intention to cut expenses in the transfer market and focus on promoting youth academy players may have also led to disagreements.
