Juan Carlos Garrido admits he was surprised by his dismissal at Villarreal.

The 42-year-old was sacked followed his team's Copa del Rey exit at the hands of third-tier Mirandes.

Garrido said on the club's official website: "Whenever you have a very good year, the next year is very demanding.

"Therefore, this season has been very complicated, although it is clear that we have failed.

"I take my responsibility as leader of the group. It has not come as a surprise that this is over - it's something you could see coming with how things were.

"I accept my dismissal as the coach is always the main culprit. From the beginning, this has been a difficult year and throughout the year setbacks such as injuries and other things have cost us."