On Sunday, August 11, 2024, in New Delhi, Spanish coach Manolo Márquez held his first media session since becoming the head coach of the senior men’s national team. During the interaction, Márquez expressed his joy, stating that leading the Blue Tigers was a dream come true for him.
He began by expressing his gratitude to the AIFF for their trust in him, mentioning how surprising it was for him to have spent five years in India—a country that he now considers his second home after Spain. Márquez, who had arrived late Saturday night, had a busy Sunday in the capital before heading back to Goa. His day included a lengthy meeting with AIFF’s Executive and Technical Committee members, followed by a discussion with AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey at Football House about the senior men’s national team and Indian football in general.
Márquez shared that coaching the national team had been a long-held aspiration, and he was thrilled to finally achieve it. Having first come to India for the 2020-21 Indian Super League season to manage Hyderabad FC, Márquez already has strong ties with Indian players, which he believes will be advantageous as he starts his national team journey.
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He reflected on his deep connection with Indian players since his first training session with Hyderabad FC, emphasizing the importance of understanding local players’ backgrounds, traditions, and cultural differences, which are crucial for adapting and succeeding in Indian football. Despite the challenge of juggling both the national team and FC Goa roles for the 2024-25 season, Márquez expressed confidence in managing the demanding schedule, highlighting his passion and commitment to both jobs.
As India prepares for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, Márquez’s focus is on improving the level of Indian players, both individually and as a team. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong mentality, alongside technical, tactical, and physical skills, to achieve success. Márquez also noted that players from any league, including the I-League, would have opportunities with the national team if they demonstrate the required quality.
Márquez concluded by stressing the significance of mental strength in football, asserting that no skill or technique matters if a player’s mindset isn’t aligned with the team’s goals. He believes that with the right mentality, India’s national team can achieve positive results.