sports
Marcelino returns Villarreal to the Champions League … then walks away
It took six years and a lot of soul-searching for the coach nicknamed Salvador Milagros to return in 2023. After more miracles, he is off again
TL;DR
- Marcelino returned to Villarreal in November 2023 when the club was 13th in the league.
- He successfully guided them to qualify for the Champions League with four weeks remaining in the season.
- This is the first time Villarreal has qualified for the Champions League in two consecutive seasons.
- Marcelino's contract was ending, and the club offered him single-season extensions, which he perceived as an invitation to leave.
- The decision for his departure appears to be driven more by the club than by Marcelino himself.
- His replacement is expected to be Rayo Vallecano's coach, Iñigo Pérez.
- Marcelino previously coached Villarreal a decade ago, leading them from the second division to the Champions League.