Indian Football Coach Manolo Marquez Resigns

Manolo Marquez has stepped down as head coach of the Indian national football team, marking a premature end to his tenure amid mounting pressure and underwhelming results. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) confirmed the development following India's dismal run in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers.

The final straw came with a 1-0 defeat to Hong Kong on June 10, a result that further dented India's already faltering campaign. Under Marquez, the Blue Tigers managed only one win in eight matches - a 3-0 victory against Maldives in a friendly held in March 2025.

Marquez, who was appointed in June 2024 after the exit of Igor Stimac, was brought in largely due to his domestic success. He led Hyderabad FC to their maiden Indian Super League (ISL) title in 2022 and helped FC Goa win the Super Cup in 2024. Known for grooming young Indian talent, his dual role as FC Goa coach, however, stirred controversy, with accusations of favoritism in national team selections.

India's performance has sharply declined in the past year, culminating in a group-stage exit at the AFC Asian Cup in Qatar without a single win. Once ranked 99th in FIFA rankings in mid-2023, India now languishes at 127th following a string of losses, including a recent shock defeat to Bangladesh.

Speaking after the Bangladesh loss, Marquez admitted the emotional toll: "The dressing room felt like a funeral. But I still believed we had a chance to qualify."

Although Marquez reportedly asked the AIFF to relieve him of his duties last month, officials had earlier stated no formal resignation had been received. With his exit now confirmed, the AIFF is leaning toward appointing an Indian head coach. Sanjoy Sen, with notable stints at Mohun Bagan and ATK Mohun Bagan, is among the frontrunners, while Khalid Jamil is also under consideration.

The AIFF is expected to make an official announcement on the new coach in the coming weeks.