Manolo Marquez believed he understood Indian football — until he took charge of the national team.
After a successful run with Hyderabad FC, where he lifted the ISL title and reached consecutive semi-finals, Marquez thought he had a solid grasp of the Indian football ecosystem. By 2024, he also believed his ability to adapt had improved significantly since arriving in the country in 2020. That confidence led him to apply for the role of India’s national team coach, a decision he made while vacationing in the Canary Islands after Igor Stimac’s departure. “It was something I had always dreamed of,” said Marquez.
However, reality hit hard. Following just one win in eight games—despite playing five teams ranked lower in the FIFA standings—the Spaniard’s tenure ended in mutual agreement with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) earlier this month.
“My stint with the national team was not good,” Marquez admitted during a virtual conversation from Goa. “Coaching India is the only regret I have during my time in Indian football.”
He acknowledged that he made several missteps. In his introductory press conference as national coach, Marquez spoke about identifying the right group of players. But calling up 49 players over five FIFA windows indicated otherwise. “That reflects more on my failure to find consistency,” he confessed.
He stood by his controversial decision to bring Sunil Chhetri out of international retirement. “It was a gamble, I agree. But we lacked goal scorers and he was still performing well in the ISL,” said Marquez, noting Chhetri ended the 2024-25 season with 14 goals and 2 assists — the highest by an Indian player. “Had he scored against Bangladesh, the narrative might have changed. I don’t consider it a mistake. He remains a top professional and I was proud to include him in the squad.”
When asked if players could have contributed more, he responded thoughtfully. “Perhaps with more… pride. More pride in wearing the national jersey.” Reflecting on discussions with former internationals like Gouramangi Singh, who now works on his staff at FC Goa, Marquez noted that the emotional connection to the national team seems diminished compared to the past. Still, he refused to blame the players for the disappointing results.
Marquez revealed he informed AIFF of his decision to step down after the ISL playoffs in April. However, he was asked to continue due to a lack of time to appoint a successor before the June fixtures. “I told them it would be difficult to keep that confidential in football circles,” he said.
He added that knowing he was on his way out may have affected the team’s morale. “I’m not saying that’s why we lost to Hong Kong, but I struggled during the training camp,” he said of India’s 0-1 defeat on June 10, his final match in charge.
Now 56, Marquez is eager to begin a new chapter. Returning to FC Goa on a one-year deal, he will soon lead the team in the Asian Champions League 2 qualifier against Al-Seeb from Oman. It’s a first for him—coaching in a continental club competition.
“This pre-season feels different. Everyone’s anxious because we’re unsure when the ISL will begin. If there’s a delay, teams may be forced to play every two or three days to meet the 27-game requirement for Asian competition eligibility, and that could increase injury risks,” he explained
