Marcelino returns to Villarreal for second managerial stint as the club struggles

Villarreal, a LaLiga club, has appointed former coach Marcelino García Toral to take over the reins after sacking José “Pacheta” Rojo Martín. Marcelino, who previously led the team to three straight top-six finishes and a Europa League semifinal, has signed a contract through June 2026. He inherits a team that is currently 14th in LaLiga, with only three wins from 13 matches. This news comes after Villarreal’s 3-1 loss at Atletico Madrid, the team’s seventh league loss of the campaign. Fans can catch Villarreal back in action on Nov. 26 as they host Osasuna.
Villarreal is pleased to announce the appointment of former coach Marcelino García Toral, who has been chosen to take over the helm of the team. Marcelino, aged 58, will be replacing José “Pacheta” Rojo Martín, who was relieved of his duties on Friday after a disappointing spell with only five wins in 12 games across all competitions. This decision comes after Pacheta took over the role in September following the dismissal of Quique Setién. Marcelino has agreed to a contract that will run through June 2026.

Marcelino’s previous tenure at Villarreal, which began in 2013, was marked by successful achievements such as securing promotion to La Liga and guiding the team to three consecutive top-six finishes. The team also reached the Europa League semifinals in the 2015-16 campaign and finished fourth in LaLiga under his leadership. He departed from Villarreal shortly before the start of the 2016-17 season.

Taking over a team currently positioned 14th in LaLiga with only three wins from 13 matches, Marcelino faces the challenge of turning things around. The team’s recent 3-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid was their seventh loss of the campaign. Villarreal will next face Osasuna on November 26th as they aim to bounce back from their recent setbacks.