“India Feels Like My Second Home”: Manolo Marquez’s Journey from Doubt to Success in Indian Football

When Manolo Marquez first flew to India in 2020, the Spanish football coach could never have predicted where his journey would take him. The Covid-19 pandemic had upended everything, leaving the world, including football, in a state of uncertainty. Yet, as he entered his fifth season in Indian football, Manolo Marquez’s initial doubts had transformed into a profound affection for his adopted second home.

A Rocky Start to a Flourishing Career

Many football followers often joke with Manolo, suggesting that he should pen down his football journey. And while he hasn’t taken up that suggestion, if he ever does, the first chapter would likely start with one question: “What are you doing here?”

The year was 2020, and just as the pandemic took hold, Manolo arrived in India. Reflecting on that time, he remembers how the chaos felt overwhelming. Yet, India, with its vibrant football culture, has become a place where the Spanish coach now feels at home. “India feels like my second (home) country,” he shared during a recent media interaction. “I’ve never spent five years anywhere else, besides Spain. I am very comfortable here.”

Having lived in Hyderabad for three years and now in Goa, Manolo has not just thrived in his role as FC Goa’s head coach but also embraced the lifestyle, both on and off the pitch.

Developing Young Talent and Building a Solid Team

Manolo’s approach to football in India has been grounded in nurturing young talent. Over the years, he has cultivated a number of promising players who have eventually made their way to the national team. Examples like Liston Colaco, Akash Mishra, and Asish Rai demonstrate Manolo’s ability to spot and nurture talent, particularly in players aged 23 or under. Under his guidance, players in this age group have collectively made 383 appearances, the third-highest tally for any manager in the Indian Super League (ISL).

His philosophy prioritizes structure and organization, making his teams particularly hard to break down. Notably, Manolo’s sides have kept 34 clean sheets in the ISL, the second most in history, showing his emphasis on defensive solidity. His teams have conceded just 1.02 goals per game, the third-lowest rate for any manager with 20 or more games in charge. With just 19 losses in 100 matches, his teams remain incredibly difficult to defeat.

From Hyderabad Glory to Goa’s Ambitions

Manolo’s journey in the ISL started with Hyderabad FC, where his efforts reached a crescendo when he guided the team to an ISL Trophy victory in 2022. For a side that had finished at the bottom just two years before, the triumph was unexpected, almost akin to “Osasuna winning La Liga, or Leicester City winning the Premier League,” as Manolo humorously put it.

Now at Goa, with a stronger squad, Manolo’s record has only improved. His win percentage at FC Goa stands at 52.9%, surpassing his time at Hyderabad. Last season, his team had an unbeaten first phase and were heavy favorites to clinch the ISL Shield. However, despite the promising start, a few costly defeats, including one against Kerala Blasters after taking a two-goal lead, derailed their ambitions.

The 100-Game Milestone and the Road Ahead

As Manolo approaches his 100th match in the ISL, he reflects on the significance of this milestone. “It’s a nice coincidence that my 100th game will be at Hyderabad, a place where I started my coaching career in India,” he said. He fondly remembers the city, though he quickly adds that once the match kicks off, all sentimental feelings will be put aside for the pursuit of three points.

Manolo’s 100th game will serve as a testament to his exceptional record in the ISL, one that places him among the elite company of coaches like Sergio Lobera and Antonio Lopez Habas. The Spanish tactician is now in contention to join them as one of the few to have won the ISL Shield, but he’s fully aware of the stiff competition.

“We are speaking about the two top coaches in ISL,” he remarked, acknowledging the immense challenge ahead. “This season – even though in my opinion Mohun Bagan are the favourites – it’s very difficult (for any club). It’s impossible to even say which six teams will qualify for the playoffs. The fight will be till the end.”

Looking Forward to Greater Achievements

The road ahead for Manolo and FC Goa promises to be full of challenges, but also possibilities. While the ISL Shield remains a coveted prize, Manolo recognizes that the league’s competitive balance makes predictions near impossible. “I don’t remember any competition which is so equal like this in India, maybe even in other countries,” he said.

As Manolo Marquez continues to impress both as a coach and as a mentor to young players, his journey in India seems far from over. From his initial doubts about his future here to becoming one of the most respected managers in Indian football, Manolo’s story in India is a testament to the power of adaptation, growth, and success.

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