Manolo Marquez has been announced as the new head coach of the India men’s football team. Following Igor Stimac’s departure. The search for a new coach involved several high-profile candidates, particularly those with experience in the Indian Super League (ISL).
Among the notable names were former Mohun Bagan Super Giant coach Antonio Lopez Habas and current FC Goa coach Manolo Marquez. The All-India Football Federation (AIFF) stipulated that the final candidate must have prior ISL experience. Eventually, Marquez was selected and he agreed to a three-year contract.
His current contract with FC Goa extends until May 31, 2025, meaning he will initially juggle responsibilities between the club and the national team for one year before dedicating himself fully to the national squad.
Marquez’s experience in the ISL has been significant. From 2020 to 2023, he managed Hyderabad FC, leading the team to victory in the ISL Cup in the 2021/22 season. Under his leadership, many young talents like Akash Mishra and Nikhil Poojary emerged, earning call-ups to the national camp.
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After his successful stint with Hyderabad, Marquez moved to FC Goa. Although the team was knocked out in the semi-finals of both the Durand Cup and the ISL, Marquez was praised for the team’s development and improvement. His record with Hyderabad included 37 wins, 21 draws, and 16 losses in 74 games, while at FC Goa, he secured 19 wins, 6 draws, and 7 losses in 32 games.
Antonio Lopez Habas was another strong contender for the national team coaching position. With extensive experience in the ISL, having coached ATK, FC Pune City, and Mohun Bagan SG, as well as a national team stint with Bolivia, Habas brought a wealth of experience to the table. However, at 67 years old, Habas faced physical challenges, often delegating match responsibilities to his assistant, which may have influenced AIFF’s decision to opt for the younger Marquez, who is 55.
Marquez’s familiarity with many current Indian national team players is seen as an advantage. Whether he can elevate Indian football to new heights remains to be seen, but his appointment has generated optimism. For now, Marquez has won the race and taken the helm of the India men’s football team, marking a new chapter in his coaching career.
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