Manolo Marquez, a seasoned football coach from Spain, has been pivotal in Indian football since his arrival in 2020. Having managed success with two Indian Super League (ISL) clubs, Hyderabad FC and FC Goa, Marquez’s expertise is now sought after at the national level, especially after the Indian football team’s dismal performance during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification campaign.
In an interesting twist of events, Igor Stimac was relieved of his duties as the head coach of the Indian national team, and Marquez has been given the mandate to steer the ship. The Spaniard is set to lead the team amidst significant transitions, particularly following the retirement of Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri in June. Chhetri, often considered the torchbearer of Indian football, leaves behind a rich legacy and a massive scoring record, having netted more than ninety goals for the national team.
Marquez, who was the head coach of FC Goa before his recent appointment, expressed his thoughts on this substantial void in the team. “To find one player who scores more than ninety goals in a national team is very difficult,” he said, recognizing the challenges ahead. He is optimistic, however, about finding suitable players to fit into Chhetri’s role. “The thing that we need to find is not only the replacement for Sunil in this case, but we have to find the correct players to play in the team. I prefer a team that scores goals. If you have it, it’s very good. There are several players that can play in his (Chhetri’s) position,” Marquez told ANI in a recent interview.
Chhetri, who has been instrumental in India’s numerous triumphs, helped the national team clinch the 2007, 2009, and 2012 Nehru Cup, along with victories in the 2011, 2015, 2021, and 2023 SAFF Championships. Additionally, he led India to win the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup, ensuring India’s first qualification for the AFC Asian Cup in 27 years. His professional journey initiated at Mohun Bagan in 2002, and from there, Chhetri’s career has been decorated with multiple accolades and personal achievements.
Looking towards the future, Marquez emphasizes the essential improvements required across various levels of Indian football. According to him, the enhancement needs to begin from the grassroots up to the national team and the Indian Super League (ISL).
. “I think that we need to improve the level of Indian football in all aspects, from the grassroots to the national team and ISL. Every aspect we need to improve… more talented players,” he stated.
Addressing a broader perspective, Marquez touched upon Chhetri’s viewpoints, mentioning that India, despite being the most populous country, has traditionally excelled in fewer sports, mainly cricket. “Sunil said that India is not a country for sports, yet it is the country with the more population in the world. But India should be the top team in more sports, not only in cricket, and we need to find these talented players,” added the 55-year-old.
Before joining the ranks of the Indian national team, Marquez held a commendable coaching career in Spain. He has managed top division teams like Las Palmas and their B team, along with other clubs like Espanyol B, Badalona, Prat, and Europa in the third division. His initial journey in India began with Hyderabad FC from 2020 to 2023, a stint marked by an ISL Cup victory in the 2021-22 season. Post his term with Hyderabad, Marquez moved on to FC Goa where his contributions continued to shape Indian football.
Reflecting on his broad coaching journey, Marquez brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the Indian national team. His strategies and methodologies are anticipated to bring about significant change, especially at a time when Indian football is under scrutiny for failing to meet the aspirations set during their World Cup qualification attempts.
With Marquez now at the helm, the focus will undoubtedly be on building a resilient and dynamic team capable of competing on an international level. Indian football enthusiasts are hopeful that Marquez will inspire and cultivate a new generation of footballers who will carry the torch forward, embarking on a path of new successes and milestones. (With ANI Inputs)
