Marcelino García Toral had already signed the contract that links his future with Villarreal until June 2026 and had directed his first training session, but the official presentation ceremony was missing. And this took place in the new press room of the Estadio de la Cerámica.
“I spent four wonderful years here professionally and personally, and, despite the difficult moments we experienced at the end, time helps you give importance to what matters,” declared Marcelino, who seemed emotional at times and took the opportunity to remember the figure of José Manuel Llaneza. “It’s a pleasure to be here again,” he said.
Sitting next to him, Fernando Roig made the introductory speech and noted the wish of the entire Castellón club for the coach’s return: “We have enjoyed some very good years, and we hope that history will repeat itself.” The story Roig talks about is compelling: promotion to LaLiga, Copa del Rey semi-finalist, Europa League semi-finalist, qualification for the Champions League… in just over three and a half years.
Message to the fans and confidence in the squad
“The fans already gave me a lot of love in my first stage, and I am very grateful. Now I come with the same enthusiasm, ambition and humility as the first day,” said the Asturian coach, who wanted to highlight the squad level he will have under his command: “If I didn’t believe in it, I wouldn’t be here today. Now, we give them the tools to get the most out of them.”
“Humility, ambition and, above all, work should make us last and the best argument to continue evolving together,” he noted before joking: “My name is Marcelino García, I’m not the Saviour, and my last name is not Miracle.”
If he finishes his contract, he could become the coach with the most matches directed in the history of Villarreal. With 177 to date, only Manuel Pellegrini (259) is ahead of him.
