Just eleven months after being handed one of Indian football’s most scrutinized roles, Manolo Marquez is no longer the head coach of the Indian national team.
In a decision that surprised few but disappointed many, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Marquez announced a mutual parting of ways, effective immediately.
While the federation’s statement described the departure as mutual and professional, it was also quietly approved by the AIFF Executive Committee in a meeting earlier this week. The writing had been on the wall for some time. With just one win in eight matches, the Spanish tactician’s tenure never really took off, and his exit now leaves more questions than answers about the direction of Indian football.
The Numbers Tell the Story
Marquez’s record as India coach reads:
8 Matches – 1 Win, 4 Draws, 3 Losses
That solitary win a 3-0 triumph over Maldives in a friendly back in March stands in stark contrast to the expectations surrounding his appointment. Hailed for his tactical nous and player development skills in the Indian Super League (ISL), where he won the 2022 ISL title with Hyderabad FC and the Super Cup with FC Goa, Marquez’s appointment was met with optimism. After replacing Igor Stimac in June 2024, many believed the Spaniard would be the man to finally bring system, consistency, and progress to the national setup.
Instead, his time at the helm quickly spiraled into disappointment. The most recent and perhaps most damaging result came in June 2025, when India suffered a 0-1 defeat to Hong Kong in a crucial 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifier. That loss not only severely dented India’s qualification hopes but also served as the final straw.
A Coach Undone by Circumstance and Structure
It would be simplistic to lay all blame at Marquez’s feet. Yes, results matter. And yes, his tactics often looked disconnected from the players on the pitch. But there is a deeper rot within the Indian football ecosystem one that even a tactically astute coach like Marquez could not cure.
In press conferences earlier this year, Marquez did not hide his frustration with the system. After a goalless draw against a Bangladesh team ranked 56 places below India in March, he openly questioned the level of preparedness, infrastructure, and support for international football in the country.
His frustration mirrored that of his predecessor, Igor Stimac, who also had an erratic tenure dogged by limited preparation time, domestic league interruptions, and inconsistent player availability. Marquez was promised more structure what he got instead was a fractured calendar, limited international windows, and growing apathy from fans and federation alike.
A Declining National Program
Indian football’s current crisis goes beyond one coach or one campaign. Just over a year ago, in July 2023, India stood at FIFA World Rank 99. Today, the team has dropped to 127, its lowest in several years. In fact, India hasn’t won a competitive match since November 2023, with the last victory a tense win over Kuwait coming under Stimac’s tenure.
India’s disastrous run at the 2024 AFC Asian Cup in Qatar where they lost all their group-stage matches signaled an alarming regression. Since then, the decline has been steady, almost inevitable.
When Marquez took over, he inherited a team low on confidence and belief. But what he could not manage was instilling a new identity, one that could pull the squad out of its rut. His passive possession-based style so successful in the ISL failed to click at the international level, where India’s opposition often pressed high and exploited structural frailties in the midfield and defense.
A Move Back to the Familiar: FC Goa Beckons
With his stint as national coach over, Marquez is expected to re-sign with FC Goa, where he has already tasted success and clearly enjoys a more conducive working environment. For Indian fans, his return to club football will likely be met with a mixture of relief and regret.
Relief, because the national team is now free to look elsewhere. Regret, because Marquez like others before him may go back to excelling in the ISL, highlighting once again that the environment matters far more than the badge.
What Next for Indian Football?
The AIFF has announced that it will soon begin the process of identifying a new head coach. But unless the structural challenges scheduling, grassroots investment, player fitness, scouting, and more — are addressed, this revolving door of managers will continue.
What India needs is not just a new coach, but a new vision. One that aligns the ISL, I-League, youth development, and the national team into a cohesive footballing pyramid. A vision that ensures long-term planning, consistent international exposure, and support for coaches who want to build a system.
Manolo Marquez’s exit serves as a cautionary tale for both Indian football authorities and fans. Hiring a successful club coach is not a golden ticket. Without the right environment, infrastructure, and support, no coach no matter how tactically brilliant can succeed.
Marquez tried, but ultimately failed, not just due to tactics or personnel, but because of a system that continues to treat national team development as an afterthought.
As India prepares for its next chapter, it must ask itself a sobering question:
Do we want results? Or do we want reform?
Final Tally for Manolo Marquez (India National Team, 2024–25):
- Matches: 8
- Wins: 1
- Draws: 4
- Losses: 3
- Goals Scored: 5
- Goals Conceded: 10
Last Result:
India 0–1 Hong Kong (AFC Asian Cup Qualifier, June 2025)
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