Villarreal announce shock departure of Marcelino

Marcelino Garcia Toral has surprisingly departed Spanish side Villarreal just a week before the club's Champions League play-off with Monaco.

Marcelino took charge of the Yellow Submarine back in 2013, but has now abruptly left the club after reportedly clashing with the board over transfers.

Last season the 50-year-old led Villarreal to 4th palce in La Liga, meaning the club returned to the Champions League for the first time in eight years. However, he will now not be present in the dugout for next week's pivotal clash against Monaco.

Former Villarreal boss Manuel Pellegrini has inevitably been linked with a return to the El Madrigal.

The Chilean, who is out-of-work after leaving Man City, previously managed the Spanish outfit for five years, and led the club through to the Champions League semi-finals 10 years ago.

During the summer Pellegrini has been linked with both Everton and Southampton, while there is growing speculation that he could draw the curtains on his managerial career.

Manuel Pellegrini tipped to return to Villarreal after last night the club surprisingly sacked Marcelino #ManchesterCity

— Eduardo Fdez-Abascal (@efabascalUK) August 11, 2016