Madrid: Spanish Champions League hopefuls Villarreal have been rocked ahead of the start of the new season by the departure of coach Marcelino.


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"Marcelino Garcia Toral is no longer the coach of Villarreal," the club announced in a statement published on their website on Wednesday evening.


Marcelino, who leaves along with his assistant Ruben Uria, had been in charge since 2013 but has left following a disagreement with the club`s board, according to sports daily Marca.


His departure comes at a crucial time, with Villarreal set to host Monaco at El Madrigal in the first leg of the Champions League play-offs next Wednesday.


Villarreal, who finished fourth in La Liga last season, have been linked with an approach to former coach Manuel Pellegrini, a free agent after his departure from Manchester City.


The Yellow Submarine begin their domestic campaign away to Granada on August 20.