Villarreal are facing a chaotic start to the season after coach Marcelino and his staff departed the club just days before their Champions League play-off first-leg home match against Monaco. Club officials did not provide a reason for the departure but stated they hope to announce an interim or permanent coach in the coming hours.
Marcelino, 50, joined Villarreal in 2013 and led them to promotion to La Liga, followed by three consecutive top-six finishes. Last season, they reached the Europa League semi-finals, losing to Liverpool, and finished fourth in the league, securing a Champions League play-off spot.
Villarreal face Monaco next Wednesday, with the return leg six days later, and begin their league season at Granada on Saturday. The news follows the loss of striker Roberto Soldado for six months due to a cruciate ligament tear, leaving summer signing Alexandre Pato as their only fit striker.
A club statement confirmed: “Tests have confirmed Soldado suffered an anterior cruciate ligament tear and a torn external meniscus in his right knee. He will undergo surgery in the next few days.”
