Villarreal head coach Marcelino García Toral has publicly criticised Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey following the club’s 3 to 0 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen in the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Champions League on Wednesday. The Spanish manager said there is a world of difference between the Partey seen during his time in England and the version currently featuring for the Spanish side.
Speaking to Marca after the loss, Marcelino expressed frustration over Partey’s performances since joining Villarreal in the summer. The defeat concluded Villarreal’s disappointing Champions League campaign, with the club finishing 35th out of 36 teams in the league phase with just one point from eight matches.
Partey, 32, joined Villarreal as a free agent at the start of the 2025 to 2026 season after leaving Arsenal when his contract expired. However, he has struggled for consistent minutes and influence in midfield across 21 appearances in all competitions, accumulating 1,068 minutes of playing time.
The Ghana Black Stars deputy captain was handed a starting spot in the match against Leverkusen despite Villarreal having already been eliminated from the competition. He played 45 minutes before being substituted at halftime for Georges Mikautadze, with the German side already holding a 2 to 0 lead. Leverkusen added a third goal 12 minutes into the second half.
Marcelino did not hold back in his assessment of the midfielder’s adaptation to Spanish football. He suggested the adjustment period is over and expects more from the experienced player, who previously featured prominently for Atlético Madrid and Arsenal.
The coach also questioned Partey’s ability to cope with the modern game’s demands. He noted that six months represents sufficient time for the player to demonstrate his capabilities, though what has been shown falls short of expectations formed during his Premier League career.
Marcelino acknowledged taking ultimate responsibility for Villarreal’s poor Champions League performance. He told reporters that the team failed to live up to expectations and must now focus on the league, where 18 games remain and Villarreal are performing better domestically.
When asked if his team had frozen during the Leverkusen match, Marcelino rejected that characterisation. He explained that Villarreal passed the ball almost as much to opponents as to teammates, indicating poor execution rather than psychological paralysis. The coach said Leverkusen outplayed his side in terms of pace and desire to win.
Marcelino was more sympathetic when discussing goalkeeper Arnau Tenas’ mistake that allowed Leverkusen to open the scoring. He acknowledged that mistakes happen in football and that Villarreal made several significant errors throughout their Champions League campaign, making it difficult to secure victories.
The defeat marks another setback for Partey, who returned to La Liga seeking a fresh start after a turbulent final period in England. His limited role and inconsistent performances have drawn scrutiny as Villarreal struggle to maintain momentum both domestically and in Europe.
Partey’s career at Arsenal spanned five seasons following his 2020 transfer from Atlético Madrid, where he established himself as a key midfielder. His move to Villarreal represented an opportunity to return to Spanish football and contribute to a club competing in European competition.
Villarreal qualified for the 2025 to 2026 Champions League by finishing fifth in La Liga during the previous season, earning Spain’s European Performance Spot. The club’s disappointing continental campaign stands in stark contrast to their domestic form, where they remain competitive in the league.
With the Champions League now behind them, Villarreal can concentrate on their remaining La Liga fixtures. Marcelino emphasized that his team performs well domestically and must maintain that standard through the final 18 matches of the season.
Questions are growing over whether Partey can rediscover the form that once made him a key figure in midfield at both Atlético Madrid and Arsenal. His performances will also be closely watched by Ghana supporters ahead of upcoming international assignments, where he remains a senior figure in the national team setup.
The midfielder’s struggles at Villarreal highlight the challenges faced by players transitioning between leagues and adapting to different tactical systems. Despite his experience at the highest levels of European football, Partey has found it difficult to replicate his previous impact in Spain’s top division.
Marcelino’s frank assessment suggests patience with Partey’s adjustment period has expired. The coach’s comments indicate that significant improvement will be required if the midfielder is to secure a regular starting position for the remainder of the season.
Villarreal’s next fixture is a La Liga match against Osasuna on Saturday at 4:15 in the afternoon, providing Partey another opportunity to demonstrate his capabilities. The domestic campaign represents the club’s remaining competitive focus after their early Champions League elimination.
