Manolo Marquez takes over from Igor Stimac as the new head coach of India, in the post-Sunil Chhetri era.
As Spanish coach Manolo Marquez assumes the reins as the nation’s head coach, the Indian men’s football team looks to begin a new chapter in its history. It’s interesting to note that Manolo will keep coaching FC Goa, a club, in addition to his position with the national squad. Only a few days into his new position, though, Manolo has already made it plain that Indian players need to change the way they think. He has also urged players to travel outside of their comfort zone and hone their talents overseas.
Since it was impossible to qualify for the FIFA World Cup in 2026, Manolo focused on raising the players’ caliber. For the first time since taking over as India’s head coach, Manolo addressed the media and gave the team some insightful advice.
“Indian players may play at a higher level and develop more quickly. Everyone is aware of my opinion—which perhaps some players disagree with—that they feel extremely at ease competing in the Indian Super League (ISL). In India, they feel very at ease “said Manolo.
I do not mean the elite level, like as La Liga or the Premier League. You will improve 100% if you play in a division with opponents that are either the same or better than you,” he said.
Manolo acknowledged that his players needed consolation, using FC Goa defender Sandesh Jhingan as an example. Jhingan had a disastrous year overseas in 2021–22, spending it with Croatian club HNK Sibenik.
“I am aware that most of them have excellent lives in ISL and that traveling overseas is challenging for them. Sandesh, for instance, attempted to do that in Croatia,” he remarked.
Manolo placed a great deal of focus on developing mental toughness.
“Technique, tactics, and physicality are crucial in football. However, Manolo said, “You cannot do anything in football or in your life if this doesn’t work (points to head).”
The next friendly match for the Indian men’s football team is scheduled for September 9, 2024, against Syria.
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