In football, the stars usually shine on the pitch, scoring goals, exciting the crowd with impossible dribbles, or providing assists. However, at Villarreal CF, the true star doesn’t wear cleats, nor does he appear in match statistics or collect man-of-the-match awards. Our star is named Marcelino García Toral, the coach who transformed the Yellow Submarine into a regular and respected team both in the Spanish League and in European competitions.
The beginnings
Since his arrival at Villarreal in 2013, Marcelino transformed a team that was struggling to regain its identity after relegation to the Second Division into a well-oiled machine capable of competing at the highest level. With a strict tactical vision and a talent for getting the best out of his players, the Asturian coach managed, in a relatively short time, to return Villarreal to the place it deserves in Spanish football.
The transformation of the Yellow Submarine
Marcelino's impact on Villarreal was (and still is) undeniable. Under his management, the team regained its characteristic style of play, based on possession, defensive solidity (a 4-4-2 formation with tight lines, reducing spaces), and a lethal ability to generate quick transitions in attack and capitalize on goal-scoring opportunities. Currently, Villarreal is conceding too many goals, which is the main area for improvement in the "Groguet" team and something the Asturian coach is working on. But beyond tactics, Marcelino has managed to create a working environment where discipline, commitment, and trust are the cornerstones of success.
One of the most notable aspects of his management is his ability to nurture young talent and revitalize the careers of players who, under other circumstances, might have gone unnoticed.
In the past, we saw names like Manu Trigueros, Bruno Soriano, and Gerard Moreno flourish under Marcelino's guidance, as he was able to maximize their qualities for the benefit of the team. Currently, Marcelino has very young players with great potential, whom he will try to mold and transform into key players with a bright future. Where will the names of Thierno Barry, Kambwala, and Logan Costa be in a few years?
A great leader
Marcelino is not just a strategist but also an inspiring leader. His ability to read the locker room and manage his players' emotions has been key to maintaining team cohesion, even during the most difficult moments. His demanding yet fair character has earned him the respect and admiration of his players, who trust fully in his vision and decisions.
The Asturian coach is also a student of the game. His training sessions are meticulous and designed to prepare the team not only for the next opponent but also to constantly improve in all aspects of the game. This preparation is reflected in Villarreal’s performance, which showed a considerable improvement in the 23/24 season after his arrival, going from being one of the worst teams in the first half of the season to the third-best in the second half.
Let the results do the talking
Under Marcelino’s leadership in his first stint at the club, Villarreal achieved significant milestones. In addition to consistently qualifying for European competitions, the team reached the final stages of the Europa League and has been a constant contender in the top half of the La Liga table. These achievements, while the result of collective effort, undeniably bear the mark of their coach.
In the current season, Marcelino’s Villarreal is improving on last year’s performance, although that wasn’t too difficult. After four matchdays, the team has accumulated 8 points out of 12 possible, compared to only 3 points in 4 matches in the 23/24 season. The current run marks the third-best league start for Villarreal in the last decade.
Despite this improvement, the Asturian coach is not entirely satisfied and has repeatedly mentioned the need to be more solid in defense and reduce the number of goals conceded. The preseason injuries of Foyth and Pedraza disrupted Marcelino’s plans. On the other hand, two new faces have arrived in central defense, Kambwala and Logan Costa, who will have to learn and gradually gain experience from seasoned players like captain Raúl Albiol and Eric Bailly.
Promising future
With Marcelino at the helm, the future of Villarreal CF seems full of promise. The Yellow Submarine’s fans know that as long as their coach continues leading the team, the club will remain a force to be reckoned with in both Spanish and European football.
The management trusts him, and they have shown it with actions. Fourteen player departures, ten arrivals, and an investment of 55 million euros back up the Roig family's confidence in Marcelino García Toral. A team built to suit the Asturian’s preferences and style, aiming to return Villarreal CF to the fight for European spots. A long-term investment with young players of great potential.
In a sport where stars are often those who score the goals, at Villarreal CF, the true star is on the bench. Marcelino García Toral has shown that sometimes, a team's success depends as much, if not more, on the vision and leadership of its coach as on the individual talent of its players. And in this Villarreal, there is no doubt that Marcelino is the one who makes everyone else shine.
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