Molina lost his job as a direct result of Villarreal's 1-0 defeat away to Levante on Sunday. The result left the side fourth from bottom of the Primera Liga table, four points above the relegation zone, although that gap could close should Racing Santander avoid defeat to Espanyol this Monday night.

　　Molina stepped down after just 10 games in charge: the former Villarreal B-team coach replaced Juan Carlos Garrido as coach after Garrido was sacked just before Christmas.

　　However, his 10 games as first team coach have failed to lift Villarreal away from danger and have yielded just two wins, three draws and five defeats. Worryingly for Villarreal the last five matches have seen just one draw and four defeats.

　　The club is now expected to look for an experienced coach to help them avoid relegation with former Deportivo la Coruna, Celta and Real Sociedad boss, Miguel Angel Lotina the favorite to take charge.

　　Villarreal's next game is on Wednesday night against Real Madrid.