Indian Team have to improve the techniques and tactics: New Coach Marquez Manlo

After a disappointing period in Indian football, especially after the retirement of Sunil Chhetri, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) sacked the Croatian Coach Igor Stimach. The Federation then appointed Manlo Marques as the new coach of the national team.

Spanish Coach Manlo Marques has been given the three year contract from All India Football Federation (AIFF). He is also the coach of ISL club FC Goa at the same time. The 55- year old coach will play the both (club and national team coaching) at a time only for one year. After that he will be given the responsibility only for the national team.

This is the first time that Marquez have to manage a national team. At the same time he have to deal with the club with another session. Addressing a press conference in the national capital at plush hotel, Marquez did not seem fazed. “There is always a first time. Regarding the conflict of interest, it is not the first time. It would not be last,” Marquez told to the reporters. He also told that the big names like Guus Hiddink, Rinus Michels who also managed clubs and also the national teams. He also told that they work very hard for the national team.

He was appointed as the Coach of Hyderabad FC during the peak of Covid in 2020. So he could not get enough opportunity to do in Indian football. “This is my fifth session in India, I will may be think I was crazy. But the reality is that after Spain, this is the country where I spend more years. From day one, I felt that things would work in a good way in India. Obviously that thought was right because we are here now. It is a dream to be a national team coach in India for me.” Marquez said.

Though India can’t qualify in the third stage of FIFA World Cup Qualifiers 2026. Marquez believes that the mentality of players is an aspect where India are lacking most glaringly. He need to improve the tactics and techniques and also the physical condition of Indian Football. He also believes that Indian football is in better condition now than what it was five years ago. But the conditions and strengths are also need to be improved in some points.

According to Marquez’s view, what we will accelerate the process, so that Indian players will play the foreign leagues in the future.