Manolo Marquez isn’t one to mince words. As the Head Coach of the Indian national football team, he’s had the chance to observe and work with players across the country and isn’t afraid to call a spade and spade. Marquez says he has found talent in India in the under-13, under-15 and under-17 on par with Spanish football players but after that it’s a whole different story. “I know what’s going to happen in 2027 in terms of the football schedule in Europe. Here I don’t know what’s happening next week,” he tells TOI, saying it is important to nurture talent at the grassroots before dreaming of playing in the football World Cup.