Villarreal Coach Marcelino Criticizes Thomas Partey After Heavy Defeat to Bayer Leverkusen

Villarreal head coach Marcelino García Toral has openly criticized the performances of Ghanaian international midfielder Thomas Partey following the Yellow Submarine’s 3–0 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday night.

Partey, who joined Villarreal on a free transfer from Arsenal last summer, has been one of the club’s most debated signings. His arrival generated controversy due to ongoing legal issues, with the midfielder currently facing multiple accusations of rape and sexual assault—allegations he has strongly denied. While Marcelino had previously avoided discussing those off-field matters, he did not hold back in his assessment of Partey’s performances on the pitch after the defeat in Germany.

Despite Villarreal already being eliminated from the competition ahead of the final matchday, Partey was named in the starting lineup. However, his involvement lasted just 45 minutes, as he was substituted at half-time, along with Tajon Buchanan, after Bayer Leverkusen established a 2–0 lead before the break.

Speaking after the match, Marcelino drew a sharp comparison between Partey’s current level and the form he showed during his time at Arsenal.

“Thomas [Partey], I think there’s a world of difference between the Thomas we know at Arsenal and this one. A world of difference,” Marcelino told Marca.
“It’s very difficult to play at this pace in today’s football. I think it’s been six months now, and that’s enough time for this player to show us what he was capable of, or what he’s showing us now.”