Villarreal President Fernando Roig has shed light on why former manager Marcelino was dismissed before the start of the campaign.
The decision stemmed from last season's final day defeat at Sporting Gijon.
The match saw the hosts needing to win to ensure they remained in the top flight, while Villarreal had nothing to play for having already secured 4th place and a spot in the Champions League qualifiers.
Roig alledges that Marcelino, who was dismissed last month, did not prepare his side properly for the encounter in Asturias.
"I have always defended honesty in football and could not allow circumstances like those that happened at the end of last season," explained Roig.
"At this club the President takes all the decisions, good and bad, and the decision to dismiss the former coach was mine.
"It is a question of honesty – someone cannot come and do something that is against what the club stands for."
Marcelino had said ahead of the encounter that he hoped Sporting Gijon avoided relegation, which they did with a 2-0 win.
