Villarreal has fired their manager, Quique Setién, after a disappointing start to the new La Liga season. The Yellow Submarines announced the decision on Tuesday, September 5, following a 3-1 defeat at Cadiz over the weekend that left them in 15th place in the La Liga table with three points from four games.
Former Barcelona and Real Betis coach Setién took over at Villarreal in October 2022, replacing Unai Emery. Setien went on to win 18 and lose 15 of his 39 matches in charge, leading Villareal to fifth place in La Liga and qualifying for the Europa League.
This season, Setién and Villarreal were rocked by the departures of three of their key players, Nicolas Jackson, Samu Chukwueze, and Pau Torres, who joined Chelsea and Aston Villa, respectively. Villarreal failed to find suitable replacements, which has led to this poor start.
The club statement read: “Villarreal CF has announced that the head coach of the first team, Quique Setién, is leaving the club. The club highlights his great professionalism and commitment and appreciates both him and his coaching staff for having taken charge in a complicated situation last season. Under the coach from Cantabria, the team had a great season, promoting many youngsters from the youth academy and qualifying for the UEFA Europa League after reaching fifth place in LaLiga.”
Sports director Miguel Angel Tena will take over on an interim basis starting on Wednesday, the club added. Tena will have some time to work with the squad as La Liga is on a break with the international fixtures going on. They will next face Almeria on Sunday, September 17, before kicking off the Europa League against Panathinaikos on September 21.
