Source: Xinhua
Editor: huaxia
2026-05-05 18:20:45
MADRID, May 5 (Xinhua) -- The confirmation on Monday that Marcelino Garcia Toral will leave Villarreal CF at the end of the season looks set to trigger a summer of upheaval in La Liga, with as many as half the division's clubs considering changes on the bench.
Marcelino's announcement follows Ernesto Valverde confirming more than a month ago that he will step down at Athletic Club, while several other coaches are out of contract or under pressure amid poor results.
Former Borussia Dortmund coach Edin Terzic is widely tipped to replace Valverde in Bilbao, but further changes appear inevitable across the league.
At Rayo Vallecano, coach Inigo Perez has yet to agree a new deal and is seen as the leading candidate to succeed Marcelino at Villarreal, which would leave a vacancy in Madrid.
Jose Bordalas is also out of contract at Getafe CF at the end of the campaign. With no renewal agreed, his departure looks increasingly likely, although his ability to keep teams competitive on limited budgets is expected to attract interest.
At RCD Mallorca, Martin Demichelis has boosted survival hopes after replacing Jagoba Arrasate, but his short-term deal leaves his future uncertain. Relegation would almost certainly mean an exit, while survival could prompt offers from elsewhere.
Valencia CF coach Carlos Corberan remains under pressure despite a contract running to 2027, with home supporters regularly calling for change at Mestalla. RCD Espanyol coach Manolo Gonzalez is also facing mounting scrutiny following a 17-game winless run.
Both clubs could opt for new leadership at the end of the season.
At Girona FC, Michel Sanchez is out of contract in June. Despite the club's public backing, a dip in form has dragged Girona back into the relegation battle, and the coach has hinted he may seek a new challenge after five years in charge.
Elsewhere, Luis Castro at Levante UD and Gonzalo Almada at Real Oviedo have improved results, but both sides remain among the favorites for relegation, which could lead to further changes.
The biggest decision may come at Real Madrid CF, where Alvaro Arbeloa faces an uncertain future after taking over from Xabi Alonso in January.
Despite player backing, results have not improved. Madrid exited the Champions League at the quarterfinal stage, suffered a Copa del Rey defeat to second-tier Albacete Balompie, and trails FC Barcelona by 11 points in La Liga.
Club president Florentino Perez is not known for patience, and speculation linking Jose Mourinho with a return continues to gather pace. ■