A dressing room riot was the main reason behind Marcelino's shock departure as Villarreal manager on Wednesday, Goal understands.
All appeared to be well at the Yellow Submarine after the 50-year-old guided the club to an impressive fourth-place finish in La Liga last season, as well as the Europa League semi-finals.
However, just a week before facing Monaco in the first leg of their crucial Champions League playoff tie, Marcelino has left the Spaniards to everyone's surprise.
But Goal has since learned that an uproar involving pushing and fighting between players and staff led to the former Sevilla coach's exit.
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It is understood that Marcelino's decision to strip defender Mateo Musacchio as captain proved to be an unpopular decision amongst the squad, sparking the dressing room brawl.
Goal has also been made aware that players told Villarreal chairman Fernando Roig that it was either them or Marcelino, leaving the billionaire with little choice but to side with his charges.
Villarreal looked set to build on their fine exploits last season after signing a number of highly rated stars such as Roberto Soriano, Nicola Sansone and Denis Cheryshev.
However, Goal understands Marcelino was unhappy with the club's summer transfer business, worsening tensions between himself and the boardroom prior to falling out with his players.
Villarreal face Monaco at El Madrigal next Wednesday before locking horns with Granada in their La Liga opener on 20 August.
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- Goal