PRIVATE SECURITY TO ESCORT MARCELINO IN MARSEILLE RETURN

Villarreal are not taking the safety of their manager Marcelino for granted as he returns to Marseille for the first time since quitting Olympique de Marseille in September. 

Marcelino became the manager of Marseille ahead of this season but left after only seven games at the club due to a tumultuous meeting between the club hierarchy and representatives of supporters groups. At this meeting, in which Marcelino was not present, it was alleged that the manager received intimidation, threats, and slander. 

He quit following this and has been highly critical of sections of the fanbase in a subsequent interview with L’Équipe, “Some radical supporters want to constantly influence events preventing it from being a big club.”

According to RMC Sport, ahead of this return, Villarreal have hired several members of a private security firm to escort the manager throughout his time in the city. Furthermore, three Spanish police officers will also be travelling with the team to ensure that there are no incidents or isolated acts no matter how small.