In a significant development for Indian football, FC Goa’s Head Coach, Manolo Marquez, has been appointed as the head coach of the Indian National Senior Men’s Football Team.

Marquez will manage both roles simultaneously until the end of the 2024-25 season, after which he will assume the national coaching role full-time.

How old is Manolo Marquez?

Dual Roles for Marquez: Leading FC Goa and the Indian National Team

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) extended this offer to Marquez following his impressive performance with FC Goa. Under his leadership, FC Goa achieved a third-place finish in the Indian Super League (ISL) league stage, reached the semi-finals of the Durand Cup, and made it to the ISL Cup playoffs—all in his debut season with the club. This dual role is seen as a strategic move to leverage his expertise and leadership for the benefit of the national team.

FC Goa’s Commitment to Indian Football

Ravi Puskur, CEO of FC Goa, expressed his support for Marquez’s new responsibilities, stating, “Manolo Marquez will continue to lead the charge for our Club. We view him as a vital part of a winning culture we are building here in FC Goa. We have always had the good of Indian football at our heart and have been keen supporters throughout. This should be the step to take in the best interests of the Indian national team.”

Puskur emphasized Marquez’s respect and familiarity within the Indian football fraternity, highlighting his deep understanding of the local culture and his potential to bring success to the national team.

AIFF’s Decision and Expectations

The AIFF Executive Committee, chaired by AIFF President Shri Kalyan Chaubey, convened on July 20, 2024, to deliberate on the new head coach appointment. The committee unanimously selected Manolo Marquez for the role, acknowledging his extensive coaching experience and success in Indian football.

AIFF President Chaubey remarked, “We are delighted to welcome Mr. Marquez to this important role and are also thankful to FC Goa for their generosity of releasing him for national duty. We look forward to working with Mr. Marquez in the years ahead.”

Marquez’s Vision and Commitment

Upon his appointment, Marquez expressed his gratitude and commitment, stating, “It’s an honour for me to be the National Football Team coach of India, a country I consider my second home. India and its people are something I feel attached to and I feel a part of since I first came to this beautiful country. I want to do my best to bring success to the millions of fans we have. I am very grateful to FC Goa for allowing us the flexibility to help the national team during the coming season while I am still the club’s head coach.”

Extensive Coaching Experience

Manolo Marquez, aged 55, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He has been coaching in India since 2020, with successful stints at Hyderabad FC and FC Goa. Marquez led Hyderabad FC to an ISL Cup victory in the 2021-22 season and has a proven track record of developing young talent. Before his tenure in India, Marquez had an extensive coaching career in Spain, managing teams like Las Palmas, Espanyol B, and Badalona.

Supporting Indian Football Development

The AIFF’s decision to appoint Marquez reflects their commitment to advancing Indian football.

The collaboration between the AIFF, FC Goa, and Marquez aims to ensure minimal disruption between his dual roles and maximize positive outcomes for both the club and the national team.

Additional Appointments and Resolutions

In other developments, the AIFF Executive Committee appointed Mr. Anilkumar Prabhakaran as the new Secretary General of the AIFF, following his resignation from the Executive Committee and all sub-committees. Mr. Anilkumar’s appointment will be finalized upon completion of internal protocols and induction procedures as required by the AIFF Constitution.

Looking Ahead

Manolo Marquez’s dual role marks a new chapter for Indian football. His expertise, leadership, and commitment to the sport are expected to drive significant progress for both FC Goa and the Indian National Team, promising an exciting future for football enthusiasts across the country.