Crystal Palace may pursue 60-year-old Villarreal manager Marcelino Garcia Toral to replace Oliver Glasner after the 2025/26 season concludes.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Villarreal boss Marcelino Garcia Toral is the subject of interest from Crystal Palace. The Eagles are methodically combing the managerial market for a long-term replacement for Oliver Glasner, with the Austrian tactician set to depart Selhurst Park after the 2025/26 season.
Oliver Glasner’s transformative Crystal Palace legacy
Glasner has left an indelible mark at the South London outfit, having guided them to their first-ever major honour last year when they lifted the 2024/25 FA Cup. The club built on that historic success by winning the FA Community Shield at the start of the 2025/26 campaign, producing stunning upsets against Manchester City and Liverpool respectively. This silverware underscores the progress made under his stewardship.
The Austrian tactician has the opportunity to cement his Palace legacy by winning the UEFA Europa Conference League this term. However, with Glasner’s departure confirmed after the 2025/26 season, Crystal Palace must now strategically identify the senior side’s next head coach.
Several candidates, including former Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim, have emerged on the South London club’s wishlist, and Marcelino has recently entered their considerations. The Villarreal manager has yet to sign a new contract at the Spanish club, creating a potential opportunity for a summer move.
Marcelino’s managerial record and suitability for Crystal Palace
Marcelino Garcia Toral has established himself as one of La Liga’s most respected managerial figures over the past two and a half decades. The Spaniard was an attacking midfielder during his relatively modest playing career, hanging up his boots in 1994 before entering the coaching sphere in 1997. Since then, the 60-year-old has managed nearly a dozen teams and is currently in his second stint with Villarreal.
While Marcelino has not yet won a major trophy with Villarreal specifically, his competitive pedigree is substantial, having secured the Copa del Rey with Athletic Bilbao in 2023. More importantly, he has a distinguished record of guiding Villarreal to consistent UEFA Champions League qualification. His men are currently third in the 2025/26 La Liga standings, 12 points clear of fifth-placed Real Betis, and are on course to reach Europe’s premier competition once again.
Marcelino represents an intriguing successor to Glasner, as his pragmatic, structured approach shares tactical similarities with Glasner’s philosophy. While the Spanish tactician’s preferred formation may differ from Glasner’s current setup, his defensive solidity and organised pressing would align with Crystal Palace’s squad strengths and contemporary competitive requirements.
However, the Eagles are not placing all their eggs in one basket. Recent reports have linked them with Dino Toppmoller and Andoni Iraola as alternative candidates. Meanwhile, Villarreal appear to be preparing contingency plans, with the report suggesting they could approach Inigo Perez to replace Marcelino should he depart this summer.
