Villarreal part company with coach Marcelino

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

"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.