A success that transcends borders. And it hasn’t gone unnoticed far from Spain. Renowned British newspaper The Guardian has published an in-depth and glowing article on Marcelino García Toral with Villarreal CF, hailing him as “the miracle man” who has once again led the team into the Champions League. Written by acclaimed journalist Sid Lowe, the feature outlines the immediate impact the Asturian coach had upon returning to the Yellow Submarine in November 2023.
With Villarreal sitting 13th in the league and struggling defensively, Marcelino brought order, discipline, and a competitive spirit to the squad, reshaping it with key additions such as Ayoze Pérez and Thierno Barry. His leadership sparked an impressive resurgence that culminated in securing Champions League qualification with a match to spare, sealed by a dramatic 3–2 win over Barcelona at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.
“Villarreal had lost their way. Then Marcelino came back, and everything changed,” Lowe writes. The article highlights how naturally the turnaround took place under Marcelino’s guidance: “The most remarkable thing was how normal it seemed. As if it wasn’t a miracle.”
The Guardian also notes the personal significance of this achievement, referencing the events of 2016 when Marcelino was dismissed just before a European campaign he had helped secure.
The Guardian also notes the personal significance of this achievement, referencing the events of 2016 when Marcelino was dismissed just before a European campaign he had helped secure.
Lowe closes with a touch of irony and hope: “This time, with any luck, he’ll get to manage them in the Champions League too.”