Villarreal manager Marcelino on return - 'My name is not saviour and my surname isn't miracles either'

New Villarreal manager Marcelino Garcia Toral has given his first press conference in his second stint at the helm of the Yellow Submarine, promising hard work, but setting no goals in terms of a turnaround.

The Asturian returns to the dugout after seven years away in which he won trophies with Valencia and Athletic Club, before a brief stint at Olympique Marseille. Following the dismissals of and the poor performances under Pacheta and Quique Setien, he made it clear that he was not going to suddenly turn them into the Harlem Globetrotters.

“I’m Marcelino Garcia, you all know me as Marce, but my name is not Salvador nor is my last name is miracles. The situation is very difficult, but the squad is good, if I didn’t believe in the squad today I wouldn’t be speaking here in front of all of you”

In his previous spell, Marcelino was sacked after a falling out with owner Fernando Roig, but he claims that relations have recovered this time.

“The arguement was because they (the Roigs) and I had excessive ambition. Fortunately, we have maintained that ambition, Villarreal has grown as a club and I have grown as a coach, but this time we hope not to arguem” Marcelino remarked, as covered by Relevo.

It looks a little bit different, Marce, doesn’t it? pic.twitter.com/dbBFsZzABa

— Villarreal CF English (@VillarrealCFen) November 14, 2023

While he said that former Valencia captain under him Dani Parejo had an equal chance to win his place with others, despite his affection for him, Marcelino made it clear that the players would have to take their share of the blame for Villarreal’s poor start.

“If in November, in 4 months of competition, I am Villarreal’s third coach, it is not only the responsibility of the coaches, but also theirs,”

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