Manolo Marquez, the Spanish head coach, has become a notable figure in Indian football, with three successful years in the Indian Super League (ISL). After coaching Hyderabad FC, he joined FC Goa for the 2023-24 season, maintaining a consistent presence at the top end of the table. Known for his ability to make teams play attractive football and groom young talents, Marquez has been praised, and some of his players from Hyderabad FC have earned spots in the Indian national team.
In an interview with Sportstar, Marquez addressed the broader conversation in Indian football regarding World Cup qualification. He acknowledged the challenges, emphasizing the need for a long process that starts with grassroots development. Despite the disappointment of not qualifying for the next World Cup, Marquez highlighted the importance of focusing on the development aspect rather than just organization.
“We can speak for 100 hours, but the problem is always the same. We are speaking about this moment, and we have to stand still in this moment. In this moment, India won’t qualify for the next World Cup, even with nine slots for the next edition. I would like to be wrong about this.” Manolo Marquez said.
“And India has to start one day. I know people talk about development, but they are more worried about organisation than development. I think development is more important. Of course, you need kids, but you also need coaches who know what they have to explain to the kids at every moment. You have to show up at every moment across ages six, nine, and 14.“
“We can speak about a lot of things, like the World Cup and the Asian Cup, but the problem is not these competitions. The problem is that you still don’t have the correct structure to arrive at this level.” he added.
Discussing Igor Stimac’s situation as the underfire manager, Marquez expressed understanding of Stimac’s desire for more time in training ahead of tournaments like the Asian Cup. He emphasized the need for better organization in Indian football, citing uncertainties in scheduling and competitions. Marquez pointed out issues with planning, including teams dropping out of competitions at the last moment, creating difficulties for both the national team and ISL coaches in terms of player availability and scheduling.
While acknowledging the challenges, Marquez emphasized the importance of addressing the structural issues in Indian football to reach a competitive level on the international stage. He urged a focus on development, including quality coaching at different age levels, to build a strong foundation for the future.
Overall, Marquez provided insights into the complexities and challenges faced in Indian football, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to address structural and organizational issues for sustained success.
“I completely understand Igor Stimac. If I am the national team coach, I would like more time. I am sure Igor completely understands that the ISL coaches want to have the players for the maximum time possible.“
“We need to know, for example, when the 2024–25 season starts and how the season is structured as to when the Durand Cup, ISL, and Super Cup are scheduled. But I understand things in India don’t work this way because, at the last moment, some teams will say they cannot play the competition.“
