Kolkata : Indian Head coach Manolo Marquez and All India Football Federation (AIFF) have decided to mutually part ways after period of rough patch of Indian Football under him.
Despite starting on good note with 3-0 victory in international friendly against Maldives, in March 2025, India displayed dismal performances under Marquez in AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualification rounds. They failed to defeat lower ranked team Bangladesh, lost to Thailand (0-2) and Hong Kong (0-1), almost ending their hopes of qualification.
Marquez, the FC Goa coach, was appointed in June 2024 on backing of strong domestic results, like winning ISL 2022 with young Hyderabad FC, clinching Super Cup with FC Goa few months back.
The AIFF Executive Committee, during its meeting in the national capital, agreed to relieve Marquez after he expressed his desire to leave his spot with the semior side so despite one year still left in his contract.
“The AIFF and Manolo decided to mutually part ways without any financial implications to any of the two parties. So, he is relieved from being India coach. The AIFF will shortly advertise for the post of head coach,” AIFF Deputy Secretary General K Satyanarayana was quoted as saying by PTI.
The AIFF later said in a statement that the executive committee members “collectively decided on the mutual termination of Marquez’s contract”.
It also said that the Technical Committee, headed by former India captain IM Vijayan, had on Tuesday recommended the AIFF Executive Committee to appoint a new head coach “through an open application process”.
“A new advertisement will be floated, inviting applications for the post,” the statement said.
Marquez also occasionally displayed his frustration with Indian Football team, for instance, after goalless draw against a then 56 ranked below Bangladesh.
“Practically, I don’t want to speak much. I am very angry, disappointed with everyone. I do not have words for this poor performance,” Marquez had said after the match in Shillong.
“Maybe this is the reality of Indian football, and the positive is that we didn’t concede a single goal with the chances they created,” he had added.n
Indian football performance has declined over the past year, evidenced by the team’s poor showing at the AFC Asian Cup in Qatar last year, where they exited in the group stage after losing all their matches, under Igor Stimac. Interestingly, both Stimac and his replacement Marquez, didn’t serve full term.
India, which was ranked 99th in the FIFA rankings in July 2023, has now dropped to 127th, with no wins in competitive football since November 2023.
Marquez even brought back retired Sunil Chhetri into the team but with no success.
AIFF IN HUNT FOR NEW INDIAN HEAD COACH
India are now in hunt for an Indian Head coach as Marquez’s replacement, as per reports.
Bengal legend Sanjay Sen and Khalid Jamil are on radar. Sanjay the Bengal head coach won I League, Federation Cup with Mohun Bagan and ISL as the assistant coach of Mohun Bagan. He also guided Bengal to Santosh Trophy victory in 2024.
Khalid Jamil on other hand came to spotlight last year, guiding Jamshedpur FC to ISL Semi Final and Super Cup Final. He also previously won I-League 2016-17 with Aizawl FC.
India’s next match is on October 9, 2025 with Singapore, for AFC Asian Cup Qualification 2027 clash, hoping and eyeing comeback.
