The move comes just three days before Villarreal host Real Madrid, with the club yet to announce who will be in charge for the match against the La Liga leaders.

Molina took over from Juan Carlos Garrido in December and oversaw the team's recovery in form as they held Valencia and Barcelona to draws at El Madrigal and defeated Sevilla on the road.

But the 41-year-old fell victim to Villarreal's poor run of form, which saw the club lose four of their last five contests.

Villarreal lie in 17th position in the Liga standings, just three points above the relegation zone.