On 6 June 2012, Preciado was appointed at Villarreal CF who, as Sporting had, suffered relegation at the season's end.
Later in that day, he was found dead in an hotel in the Valencian Community, from a heart attack.
He was reportedly a chain-smoker, consuming 40 cigarettes a day.

According to the Associated Press, "Preciado's sudden death led to an outpouring of emotional responses from Spanish clubs, coaches and players."
Spain national team manager Vicente del Bosque, in Poland to prepare for UEFA Euro 2012, told Spanish sports daily Marca "We are all shocked.
We were having breakfast and we were all taken back by the news.
He was a caring person and a great sportsman.
He was a man of football that was an honor to coaching."
Team member Juan Mata said, "The truth is that this is difficult to digest.
I always remember him smiling, as a happy person that transmitted his passion, joy and character to all his teams.
Talking about him in the past tense is tough for me."
Mourinho issued an open letter on Real Madrid's official website, saying in part that "He had everything I like in people and sportsmen: character, honesty and the courage to fight on."
Joaquín Caparrós, manager at RCD Mallorca, said "I was so happy for him joining Villarreal.
I am sure he would have taken it back to the first division.
He should be a reference in the world of coaching."

In Gijón, many people met at Estadio El Molinón, the home ground of Sporting, in order to pay their respects.
The same day, the city Mayor announced she would make a proposal to name a street close to the stadium "Alameda de Manuel Preciado".

On 7 June 2013, just one year after Preciado's death, a bronze statue was inaugurated near El Molinón, with the funds being arranged through popular donations.
On 6 June 2012, Preciado was appointed at Villarreal CF who, as Sporting had, suffered relegation at the season's end. Later in that day, he was found dead in an hotel in the Valencian Community, from a heart attack. He was reportedly a chain-smoker, consuming 40 cigarettes a day.
According to the Associated Press, "Preciado's sudden death led to an outpouring of emotional responses from Spanish clubs, coaches and players." Spain national team manager Vicente del Bosque, in Poland to prepare for UEFA Euro 2012, told Spanish sports daily Marca "We are all shocked. We were having breakfast and we were all taken back by the news. He was a caring person and a great sportsman. He was a man of football that was an honor to coaching." Team member Juan Mata said, "The truth is that this is difficult to digest. I always remember him smiling, as a happy person that transmitted his passion, joy and character to all his teams. Talking about him in the past tense is tough for me." Mourinho issued an open letter on Real Madrid's official website, saying in part that "He had everything I like in people and sportsmen: character, honesty and the courage to fight on." Joaquín Caparrós, manager at RCD Mallorca, said "I was so happy for him joining Villarreal. I am sure he would have taken it back to the first division. He should be a reference in the world of coaching."
In Gijón, many people met at Estadio El Molinón, the home ground of Sporting, in order to pay their respects. The same day, the city Mayor announced she would make a proposal to name a street close to the stadium "Alameda de Manuel Preciado".
On 7 June 2013, just one year after Preciado's death, a bronze statue was inaugurated near El Molinón, with the funds being arranged through popular donations.
Manuel Preciado Rebolledo