Manolo Marquez has stepped into the role of head coach for the Indian men’s football team, succeeding Igor Stimac, as the team enters the post-Sunil Chhetri era. Marquez, who will also continue coaching FC Goa alongside his national team duties, has quickly emphasized the need for a shift in mindset among Indian players. He has urged them to step out of their comfort zones in the Indian Super League (ISL) and seek opportunities abroad to enhance their skills.
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification out of reach, Marquez is focusing on raising the standard of Indian players. In his first media appearance since taking on the role, Marquez stressed that the level of Indian footballers can improve more rapidly if they challenge themselves in foreign leagues. He acknowledged that while playing in top leagues like the Premier League or La Liga might be out of reach, competing in leagues where the level of competition is higher would significantly boost their development.
Marquez expressed empathy for players’ desire for comfort, citing the example of FC Goa defender Sandesh Jhingan, who had an unsuccessful stint abroad with Croatian club HNK Sibenik during the 2021-22 season. However, he stressed the importance of mental strength in football, pointing out that technique, tactics, and physicality are crucial, but without mental toughness, success in football—and life—remains elusive.
The Indian men’s football team is scheduled to play their next match on September 9, 2024, in a friendly against Syria.
