On 31 August 2003, Real Sporting de Gijón lost at El Molinón against Getafe (0-2). A bad result after a difficult summer. On that day, Marcelino García Toral made his debut on a professional bench. The young coach (not even 40 years old) had a background as a footballer in the red and white club. His coaching experience was limited to CD Lealtad and Sporting B.
Since that day, 20 years have passed. Two decades that have given birth to one of the most renowned Spanish coaches. Marcelino was on the verge of promotion to the First Division that same season (2003/04). A success he would go on to achieve with Recreativo de Huelva, Real Zaragoza and Villarreal CF. His career also includes a Copa del Rey title with Valencia and a Spanish Super Cup with Athletic Club. After a stage with some of the best national teams, this summer he landed in Marseille to begin an exciting challenge with Olympique.