In a significant development for Indian football, Manolo Marquez, head coach of the Indian men’s national team, has stepped down from his role after a mutual agreement with the All India Football Federation (AIFF). The move marks the end of his tenure after less than a year in charge and kickstarts AIFF’s hunt for a new coach to guide India through the upcoming crucial qualifiers and tournaments.
Why Did Manolo Marquez Resign?
Manolo Marquez, who took over the reins of the Indian team in 2024 after coaching Hyderabad FC in the Indian Super League, cited personal reasons and professional differences as key factors behind his decision to step down. While both parties termed it a “mutual decision reached amicably”, sources indicate there were underlying tensions over:
- Team selection autonomy
- Differences in technical approach and strategy
- Frustration over lack of structural support for long-term development plans he proposed
AIFF Official Statement
The AIFF released a brief statement thanking Marquez for his contributions:
“We thank Manolo Marquez for his efforts and professionalism during his tenure. His experience helped the team navigate a challenging phase. We wish him all the best for his future.”
Marquez’s Record As India Coach
| Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | 6 | 4 | 7 |
During his time, India showed flashes of attacking football but struggled for consistency, especially against higher-ranked Asian sides.
Key Moments Of His Tenure
- SAFF Championship 2024: India finished as runners-up, losing to Kuwait in penalties after a dominant group stage.
- World Cup Qualifiers: Failed to progress past the second round after narrow losses to Oman and Kyrgyzstan.
- Friendlies: Managed wins against Malaysia and Nepal but suffered defeats to UAE and Jordan, exposing defensive lapses.
- Youth Integration Attempts: Gave debuts to emerging players like Parthib Gogoi, Vibin Mohanan, and Lalchungnunga but often faced constraints in squad selection due to injuries and ISL scheduling.
AIFF’s Plan For New Coach
The AIFF has initiated its formal process to identify and appoint a new head coach within two months before the next international window in September. Secretary General Shaji Prabhakaran stated:
“We are looking for a coach who understands Indian football’s strengths and challenges, and can build a system aligning with our Vision 2047 plan.”
Key Criteria For New Coach
- Proven track record in Asia or Europe with focus on tactical development.
- Ability to integrate youth players alongside experienced seniors.
- Commitment to long-term project building, not short-term results alone.
- Familiarity with ISL, I-League, and Santosh Trophy talent pools.
Potential Candidates Being Discussed
While AIFF has not released an official shortlist, these names are circulating among federation circles:
✅ Igor Stimac – Former India coach, experienced with current squad dynamics.
✅ Albert Roca – Former Bengaluru FC and Hyderabad FC coach with deep knowledge of Indian football.
✅ Khalid Jamil – One of the most successful Indian coaches, known for tactical discipline and man management.
✅ Stephen Constantine – Former India coach with a track record of Asian Cup qualification.
✅ Ashley Westwood – Former Bengaluru FC coach, ISL winner with a strong fitness-driven approach.
Expert Reactions
Renedy Singh (Former India captain)
“It’s important the next coach is given full freedom to build. Constant chopping and changing doesn’t help.”
IM Vijayan (Former striker)
“Foreign coach or Indian, what matters is tactical clarity and consistent support from AIFF.”
Sunil Chhetri (Retired Indian legend)
“Whoever comes in must focus on youth transition. We have talented kids but exposure and guidance are crucial.”
Challenges Awaiting The New Coach
The next coach will have little time to settle, with India facing:
- FIFA friendlies in September 2025 against Lebanon and Jordan.
- Asian Cup qualifiers starting January 2026, a crucial tournament for India’s regional reputation.
- SAFF Championship 2026, where India will seek to reclaim their dominance after losing the 2024 final.
Systemic Issues Highlighted By Marquez Exit
Marquez’s resignation once again highlights Indian football’s deeper issues:
- Lack of synergy between AIFF and ISL clubs, affecting player availability and workload management.
- Weak domestic youth scouting and integration delaying the emergence of next-generation stars.
- Short tenure of foreign coaches preventing continuity and long-term strategy implementation.
AIFF’s Vision 2047 And Coaching Alignment
AIFF’s Vision 2047 aims to make India a top Asian football nation by its centenary year, with goals including:
- Qualifying for FIFA U-20 and U-17 World Cups regularly
- Improved domestic coaching education standards
- Development of 50 FIFA-standard academies nationwide
For these ambitions to materialise, the next coach must align with AIFF’s roadmap while instilling competitive tactical discipline at senior level.
Final Takeaway
Manolo Marquez’s resignation marks a critical juncture for Indian football. As AIFF begins its search for a new coach, the decision will shape India’s performances not just in upcoming qualifiers but also determine whether the country can make meaningful strides towards becoming a consistent Asian football force.
The football fraternity awaits to see whether AIFF opts for continuity with an experienced name familiar with India or injects fresh ideas through a new international face capable of delivering both results and structural transformation.
Disclaimer: All quotes are sourced from AIFF’s official statements, press conferences, and player media interactions as reported on July 4, 2025.
