The soft-spoken Spaniard Manolo Marquez (55), known for his adeptness in maximizing limited resources, has recently been appointed as the head coach of the Indian men’s senior national football team.
Marquez, who has gained acclaim for his ability to utilize limited resources effectively, has been appointed head coach of the Indian men’s senior national football team. Despite this new role, he will continue his coaching duties with ISL club FC Goa. In an interview on the All India Football Federation (AIFF) website, Marquez emphasized the global importance of ‘coach education.’
“Coach education is crucial not only in India but worldwide. Licenses are essential, but they don’t necessarily make you a better coach. Some individuals may not have a license but possess extensive football knowledge,” Marquez stated.
The Blue Tigers will begin their journey under Marquez at the Intercontinental Cup in Hyderabad, where they will face Syria and Mauritius in September.
Reflecting on his four-year tenure in India, Marquez noted improvements in the quality of Indian coaches.
“Over the past four seasons, I’ve observed the Indian coaches’ level improving each year. Last season, there were two Indian head coaches – Thangboi Singto (Hyderabad FC) and Khalid Jamil (Jamshedpur FC). Clifford Miranda won the Super Cup with Odisha FC before that,” Marquez remarked.
“I’ve also seen many talented Indian assistant coaches during my time here. Currently, I work with an excellent assistant coach, Gouramangi Singh, a former India international. In the national team, I will collaborate with Mahesh Gawali, another good coach and former national team player,” he added.
Marquez believes that the goal for the next few years should be to have an Indian as the national team head coach.
“This ambition should extend beyond the national team to the clubs as well. Every Indian assistant coach should aim to become a head coach in the next few years. They could start as head coaches of the U-17 or U-19 teams before moving on to senior teams,” Marquez suggested.
