Manolo Marquez Appointed as Indian Men’s Football Team Head Coach

Manolo Marquez has been appointed the new head coach of the Indian men’s national football team according to a press release from the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

Interestingly Marquez will also continue as the head coach of FC Goa for the entire next season.

“During the 2024-25 season, Mr. Marquez will continue his role as the head coach of the first team at FC Goa, handling both responsibilities concurrently before assuming the national coaching role on a full-time basis,” the AIFF stated.

Who is Manolo Marquez?

From Barcelona, Spain, Marquez has made a significant impact in Indian football. In his first stint, he led Hyderabad FC to an Indian Super League (ISL) championship before moving to FC Goa.

Last season he guided Goa to a third-place finish in the league and a semifinal spot in the playoffs.

Before coming to India Marquez coached several Spanish clubs, including Las Palmas in La Liga as well as Las Palmas B, Espanyol B, Badalona, Prat, and Europa in the third division.

Positives of the Move

ESPN India previously identified Marquez as a top candidate to replace the outgoing Igor Stimac though his club commitments initially made this seem unlikely. The AIFF has now arranged a deal with Goa and Marquez to make this dual role possible.

Marquez’s coaching skills and ability to develop young Indian talent are well-regarded, making him a strong choice to lead the national team.

Challenges Ahead

Balancing the demands of coaching both a national and a club side is a significant challenge. The Indian national team is at a critical juncture following Sunil Chhetri’s retirement requiring a hands-on approach that Marquez is known for.

Simultaneously FC Goa is undergoing a transition after the departures of key players Brandon Fernandes and Noah Sadaoui.

Goa will have a busy schedule with the ISL season, Durand Cup, and Super Cup. At the same time, the national team will embark on AFC Asian Cup qualifiers international friendlies, and tournaments like the Intercontinental Cup and SAFF C.up.

Reactions to the Appointment

AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey expressed his excitement about the appointment, saying,

“We are delighted to welcome Mr. Marquez to this important role and are also thankful to FC Goa for their generosity in releasing him for national duty. We look forward to working with Mr. Marquez in the years ahead. The AIFF, FC Goa, and Mr. Marquez will collaborate closely to ensure there is minimal impact between the two jobs and strive to achieve the best possible results for all involved.”

FC Goa CEO Ravi Puskur added,

“We have always had the good of Indian football at our heart and have been keen supporters throughout. We felt that this should be the step to take in the best interests of the Indian national team. Manolo is a figure that commands respect in the Indian football fraternity – be it players, coaches, or other stakeholders. He is familiar with the Indian culture. I wish these qualities bring him and the national team success.”

Manolo Marquez’s appointment marks a new chapter for Indian football and fans will be eager to see how he balances his dual roles to achieve success for both FC Goa and the national team.

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