Yellow Submarine in the Champions League: Will the Third Time Be the Charm for Marcelino?
Marcelino García Toral, Villarreal’s coach, has qualified a LaLiga team for the UEFA Champions League on two previous occasions, and on both he was fired after the success. The question now is whether history will repeat itself or if the “Yellow Submarine” will keep its coach after securing its place in the elite of European football.
Villarreal’s triumph over Barcelona last Sunday guaranteed their participation in the next Champions League. However, the shadow of previous dismissals hangs over Marcelino. In 2016, after leading the team to fourth place, he was fired, and in 2019, at Valencia, despite winning the Copa del Rey and finishing fourth, he was dismissed due to disagreements with the board.
Marcelino’s dismissal at Valencia was due to his refusal to prioritize the interests of the board, which included finishing in fourth place, instead of focusing on winning the Copa.
Alofoke Deportes
The decisions made by Villarreal in the past have generated controversy, but the recent victory and qualification for the Champions League open a new chapter for the team.
Villarreal, a club from a small Spanish coastal community, has demonstrated a remarkable ability to compete at a high level. The club’s ownership, the Roig family, has shown intelligence in managing the team, and the investment in young and experienced players has paid off.
If you’re looking for a LaLiga match with high emotion, the clashes between Villarreal and Barcelona are an excellent option. The last eight matches between both teams have averaged 4.5 goals per game, ensuring a guaranteed spectacle.
Barcelona, with its style of play, has been the most exciting team in LaLiga this season, but Villarreal is close behind in terms of goals scored and conceded.
After saying goodbye to Marcelino in 2016, Villarreal hired and fired seven different coaches. In the fall of 2023, Marcelino’s return was recommended, and since then, the team has experienced a notable rise.
The Champions League qualification assures Villarreal significant income, which will allow it to strengthen its project and compete in the elite of European football.
The club has bet on a group of young players and has incorporated others with experience, which has boosted its performance.
Villarreal has managed to qualify for the Champions League and, at the same time, obtain profits in the transfer market, which demonstrates successful management.
Villarreal’s success is based on a return to its origins, reconciliation with an old friend, and confidence in its ambitious plans. Now, Marcelino must keep his position until September.
