Marcelino will depart Villarreal when the season concludes, after steering the club into the Champions League for a second consecutive year. The 60‑year‑old coach guided the team to a fifth‑place finish last season and currently sits in third place in La Liga. Ahead of the final fixtures, his exit will leave a managerial void that the club must address promptly.

Villarreal's board thanked Marcelino, saying, “Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, Marce, for everything you have given to this club and its fans.” The club offered a one‑year extension in January, but the manager declined, preferring to pursue new challenges after a successful stint that includes a Champions League berth. Ahead this season.

Despite a disappointing Champions League run—losing eight of nine group‑stage matches—Villarreal stays competitive domestically, targeting a finish above last year’s fifth place. Marcelino’s tactical discipline and player development earned him praise, but the club must now find a successor who can maintain their European ambitions while handling the pressure of La Liga.

The announcement arrives as Villarreal prepares for the season's final stretch, with fans hoping the club can build on its recent momentum. The management team will likely explore candidates with European experience, given the club's recent success. Marcelino’s departure underscores the volatility of coaching roles at clubs chasing continental qualification in the competitive football landscape.