Marcelino García Toral will not remain as the coach of Athletic Club beyond the coming season, a decision he shared during a public briefing at San Mames. The Asturian manager took the helm on January 3, 2021, after a previous dismissal on the same day that brought Gaizka Garitano into the club. Just two weeks into his tenure, Athletic achieved a landmark success by clinching the Super Cup, defeating Real Madrid in the semifinal and overcoming Barcelona in the final.
Throughout his time, Marcelino guided the rojiblanco team to two finals in April of the previous year. The year 2020 had been heavily disrupted by the pandemic, with finals results showing Real Sociedad and Barcelona securing victories over Athletic in 2021. The coach oversaw 75 official matches across competitions this season, recording 28 wins, 26 draws, and 21 losses across La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Super Cup. His leadership contributed to a season that featured notable cup progress and resilient performances in domestic competition.
In the league, Athletic finished the season in the upper portion of the table and advanced to cup semifinals, where they defeated top rivals including Barcelona and Real Madrid, marking a confident streak in domestic cup competition. The season also featured a Super Cup run that culminated in reaching the final after a semifinal victory over Atletico Madrid and a closely contested final against Real Madrid. Despite these efforts, the club did not secure a European competition berth for the following campaign, a consequence that framed broader discussions around the club’s trajectory and the direction of its coaching staff.
Athletic’s campaign under Marcelino was characterized by a blend of aggressive results against traditional powerhouses and solid showings against mid-table teams. The managerial era brought a sense of renewal, with the squad showing tactical flexibility and a commitment to attacking football that resonated with the club’s supporters. As the horizon moves forward, Athletic will pursue continuity and strategic planning to build on the progress achieved during Marcelino’s tenure, while still honoring the club’s values and competitive ambitions.