Manolo Marquez quits as India head coach after poor run of results

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) and head coach Manolo Marquez have decided to part ways by mutual consent, ending an underwhelming spell in charge of the Indian men’s national team. The Spaniard, who had previously enjoyed success in the Indian Super League by winning the 2022 title with Hyderabad FC and the 2024 Super Cup with FC Goa was appointed India coach in June 2024. However, results did not go as hoped during his tenure. The AIFF Executive Committee agreed to release 56-year-old Manolo Marquez from his role after he expressed his desire to step down, even though he had a year remaining on his contract. India played eight matches under Marquez and managed just one win, which was a 3-0 victory over the Maldives in a friendly. Their latest setback came on June 10, when India suffered a 0-1 loss to Hong Kong in the third round of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. Despite the result, Marquez insisted India still had a chance to qualify. “We’re sad. The dressing room is like a funeral. But we’re still in the fight,” he said after the defeat. Frustrations had been building. After a goalless draw against Bangladesh in March, Marquez openly criticised the performance. “I’m very angry, disappointed with everyone,” he said. “Maybe this is the reality of Indian football.” India’s form has been on the decline over the past year. The team failed to win a single game at the 2024 AFC Asian Cup in Qatar, crashing out in the group stage. Since November 2023, the Blue Tigers haven’t won a competitive match and have slipped from 99th to 127th in the FIFA world rankings. Marquez was appointed as head coach in June 2024 for a two-year tenure and had replaced Igor Stimac as head coach last year.