Villarreal CF is actively assessing its coaching options after making a swift change at the helm, with Marcelino García Toral emerging as the strongest candidate to take over the duties on the sidelines. The club is navigating the fallout from a surprising decision that follows a difficult stretch and aims to restore stability and momentum for the remainder of the season.
A day after an Europa League outing in Cyprus where the team secured a 1-2 victory over Maccabi Haifa, Villarreal announced on Friday, November 10, that José Rojo Martín, known as Pacheta, would no longer lead the first team. The dismissal came two months and five days after the club previously parted ways with Quique Setién, highlighting a season of rapid leadership changes as the Yellow Submarine seeks a more consistent voice for the squad. In the aftermath, Marcelino García Toral has quickly risen to the top of the list of potential replacements, with insiders and supporters watching closely for a sign of the next chapter for the club.
Pacheta had taken charge in place of Setién and oversaw 12 competitive games, recording five wins, three draws, and four defeats. Under his guidance, the team scored 19 goals and conceded 15, accumulating 18 points from 36 across all competitions. His arrival coincided with Villarreal’s campaign in LaLiga, where the side sat in thirteenth place after 12 rounds, collecting 12 points from those fixtures. This period marked a transitional phase for the club as it recalibrated its tactical approach and player roles while pursuing more consistent performances at the highest level of European football.
Why Villarreal parted ways with Pacheta and what comes next for the coach position
Villarreal has not publicly disclosed the full rationale behind Pacheta’s departure, opting instead for a concise statement that the former Valladolid coach “no longer belongs to the yellow discipline.” The club’s communication underscored a desire to pursue a new strategic direction while acknowledging the efforts of Pacheta and his staff. In a statement of appreciation, Villarreal thanked him for his work, dedication, and professionalism during his tenure, wishing him well in his future professional endeavors as he transitions to the next role in football.
Regarding the selection process for the next head coach, no definitive decision had been announced at that moment. The club clarified that Miguel Ángel Tena, the football director of Villarreal CF, would take charge of the immediate training session scheduled for the following day, with the event set to begin at 11 a.m. at the José Manuel Llaneza Sports City. The session would be open to the first 15 minutes of press coverage, offering a glimpse into the procedural steps as the team prepares for the next league fixture. Later that afternoon, Tena was expected to address the media in a scheduled press conference at 1:15 p.m., outlining the club’s strategic direction and the criteria for the forthcoming appointment. In the meantime, Tena would lead the senior squad for Sunday’s clash against Atlético de Madrid, a high-stakes match that would test the squad’s resilience and the club’s tactical readiness ahead of the new leadership era.
In this moment of transition, supporters and analysts will be watching closely to see how Villarreal balances immediate results with a longer-term plan. The decision on a permanent replacement is expected to reflect the club’s broader ambitions in domestic competitions and European football, aiming to sustain competitiveness while fostering player development and a cohesive team identity that can endure beyond the tenure of any single coach.