It has only been two weeks since, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) extended head coach Igor Stimac’s contract by two years, until 2026. Along with the prospect of a further two years if India advances to the third round of FIFA World Cup qualifiers. However, the Indian Football Team’s head coach has already appointed his replacement. Stimac believes FC Goa head coach Manolo Marquez will be the finest person to oversee Sunil Chhetri and his team once he retires.
” If I leave one day I would love to see Manolo in my position because of his approach, trusting and having faith in Indian youngsters,” said Igor Stimac.
Manolo Marquez has previously stated his desire to manage the Indian national team in the future. He did not, however, disclose his ambitions to succeed Igor Stimac.
Manolo Marquez transformed Hyderabad FC from bottom of the league to championship contenders in a single season. In 2022, he won the ISL title with the Nizams after defeating Kerala Blasters FC in the finals.
” Need to keep him here as long as possible because every year he develops 2-3 new Indian players,” added Igor Stimac
Marquez’s most significant achievement, however, has been his exceptional growth of Indian players inside his group. Marquez has given opportunities to players like Liston Colaco, Akash Mishra, Nikhil Poojary, Mohammad Yasir, Chinglensana Singh, and others.
Igor Stimac’s efforts to improve Indian football have garnered him well-deserved accolades, and he will lead the country at the 2017 AFC Asian Cup. However, the question surrounds his future after a string of dismal performances by the Blue Tigers. India play their World Cup Qualifiers in November.
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