Manolo Marquez took charge in July 2024, replacing Igor Stimac, and has overseen eight matches so far, with three losses and four draws. India’s only win in his tenure came in a friendly against Maldives (3-0) in March.
| Photo Credit: The Hindu
Manolo Marquez’s stint as the head coach of the Indian football team has come to an end after he and the All India Football Federation (AIFF) mutually agreed to part ways.
The AIFF Executive Committee, in a meeting in New Delhi on Wednesday (July 2, 2025), agreed to relieve Manolo after he expressed his desire to step away.
The development comes after India lost 0-2 to Thailand in a friendly on June 4 and followed it with a 0-1 loss against Hong Kong in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers on June 10.
“We are sad. The dressing room is like a funeral. I am very angry and disappointed with everyone. I do not have words for this poor performance. Maybe this is the reality of Indian football,” the Spaniard said after the defeat to Hong Kong.
Manolo Marquez took charge in July 2024, replacing Igor Stimac, and has overseen eight matches so far, with three losses and four draws. India’s only win in his tenure came in a friendly against Maldives (3-0) in March.
The 56-year-old was at the helm of the Indian team while juggling a dual role as the coach of FC Goa in the Indian Super League. His stint with the Gaurs concluded on May 31 with the Super Cup win in Bhubaneswar.
AIFF will now look to appoint a new coach before India, which dropped to 127th in the FIFA rankings from 99th in July 2023, takes on Singapore on October 9.
Published – July 02, 2025 05:32 pm IST