Villarreal coach Marcelino criticises Partey’s performance in Champions League defeat

Head coach of Villarreal, Marcelino García Toral, has expressed his disappointments in Black Stars midfielder Thomas Partey’s performance in their UEFA Champions League defeat.

Villarreal suffered a 3-0 loss to Bayer Leverkusen in Germany in the UEFA Champions League on January 28, 2026.

Malik Tillman’s brace and Alejandro Grimaldo’s strike powered the German side past their opponents, worsening Villarreal's abysmal campaign after finishing 35th on the table with just one point from eight matches.

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Partey was introduced into the game at some point, but the damage had already been done, and despite his efforts, he failed to make an impact.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Marcelino noted that several of his players have been underperforming, including Partey, which contributed to their poor campaign.

The coach criticised the Black Stars midfielder for his underwhelming displays since moving from Arsenal to Villarreal, highlighting a stark difference in his performances.

He stressed that Partey has not shown glimpses of his quality since joining the team and expressed frustration, insisting that the midfielder must improve quickly.

“Of the players who had an acceptable level, let’s say… As for Thomas, I think the Thomas we knew at Arsenal, well, there’s a world of difference. A world of difference. It’s very difficult to play in today’s football at this pace.

"I think it’s been months, and it’s a tough time for this player to show us what he was or what he’s capable of,” Marcelino told journalists.

Partey joined Villarreal on a two-year deal comprising an initial one-year contract with the option of a further 12 months, following the expiration of his Arsenal contract in June 2025.

Watch the interview below:

“There is a world of difference between the Thomas we knew at Arsenal and this one. A world of difference. It’s very difficult to play at this pace in today’s football.”- Villarreal boss criticises Thomas Partey🇬🇭after Champions League defeat.😭

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— Citi Sports (@CitiSportsGHA) January 29, 2026