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Key Points

The AIFF is searching for a new head coach after parting ways with Manolo Marquez, whose tenure saw India slip to 127th in FIFA rankings. Marquez struggled with just one win in eight matches, including poor AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. His dual role with FC Goa also raised questions about his commitment to the national team. The new coach will be tasked with reviving India's football fortunes.

Key Points: AIFF Seeks New Head Coach After Manolo Marquez Exit

  • AIFF sets July 13 deadline for head coach applications
  • Marquez exits with just 13% win rate
  • India dropped to 127th in FIFA rankings under his tenure
  • Dual role with FC Goa raised concerns over national team focus
3 min read

AIFF invites applicants for men's head coach position following Marquez's departure

AIFF invites applications for India's men's football head coach following Marquez's departure after a poor run of results.

"The Head Coach is accountable for the performance of the team in all matches and competitions. – AIFF Statement"

New Delhi, July 4

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has invited applications for the position of head coach of the men’s national team, with the final day for applying set as July 13. This follows days after the AIFF mutually parted ways with national team head coach Manolo Marquez after his tenure saw India fall to 127 in the FIFA rankings.

“The ‘Head Coach - Senior Men’s National Team’ will report to the AIFF Secretary General and is accountable for the performance of the team in all matches and competitions it participates in during the term of the coach’s contract,” read the statement by the AIFF.

The AIFF executive committee met on Wednesday and approved the decision. Manolo Marquez's exit follows after AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey had confirmed that his tenure would be under review at the said meeting.

Despite a poor run of results, concerns finally arose after India’s poor start to the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers as the men in blue played out a draw against Bangladesh in the opening game before an injury-time winner in the 0-1 loss against Hong Kong further added to their woes.

“The primary role of the Head Coach - Senior Men’s National Team is to select, monitor, and prepare the Senior Men’s National Team (“National Team”) for the various matches and competitions played by the National Team including competitions of the FIFA and the AFC, and other international competitions, with the primary objective being to ensure that the National Team wins the maximum number of matches and competitions it participates in,” the statement added.

The Spaniard was appointed head coach after the fiery exit by previous head coach Igor Stimac in 2024 and has gone on to lead the Blue Colts in eight games with only one win, a 3-0 victory over the Maldives in a friendly. In the end, he leaves with a win percentage of 13%.

Marquez first landed in India ahead of the 2020-21 Indian Super League (ISL) season to take charge of Hyderabad FC, where he won the ISL title in 2022. In his three years with The Nizams, Marquez took charge of 74 games, out of which he won 37 and drew 21. He went on to take the helm at FC Goa and led them to a Super Cup triumph.

His time as Goa head coach saw him become a dual manager, occupying head coach roles with both the national team and the ISL side as well. In 62 matches under Marquez, FC Goa have won 38 games, with 12 losses and draws each.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
The dual role with FC Goa was always a bad idea. How can one person focus properly on both club and country? AIFF should make sure the new coach is 100% dedicated to the national team. Our boys deserve undivided attention!
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Aditya G
We're at 127 in FIFA rankings? That's embarrassing for a country of 1.4 billion people. Maybe we should look at how Japan/Korea developed their football instead of just changing coaches every few years. Long-term vision needed!
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Priya S
Marquez did well with Hyderabad and Goa, but national team is different ball game. Hope AIFF finds someone who can handle the pressure and develop young talent. Our U-17 team showed promise, need that at senior level too! 🇮🇳⚽
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David E
As someone who's followed Indian football for years, I think the problem isn't just the coach. Grassroots development is weak, infrastructure poor, and ISL clubs don't give enough chances to Indian players. Need systemic change.
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Kavya N
Drawing with Bangladesh and losing to Hong Kong? Really? 😤 We used to dominate SAFF nations. New coach should focus on basic skills first - our players can't even make simple passes under pressure. Back to basics please!
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Varun X

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