Manolo Márquez Names Full 28-Man Squad for Thailand Friendly Ahead of Crucial Asian Cup Clash

In a decisive move signaling preparation and intent, India’s head coach Manolo Márquez has announced that all 28 players currently part of the national camp in Kolkata will journey to Thailand for an international friendly against the hosts on June 4. This encounter, scheduled at Thammasat Stadium in Pathum Thani at 18:00 IST, will serve as a pivotal tune-up fixture ahead of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers Final Round against Hong Kong on June 10.

The Blue Tigers have been immersed in rigorous drills and test matches in Kolkata since May 19, with the team set to fly out on Wednesday evening. This friendly presents an opportunity for Márquez to gauge player combinations and tactics before India’s competitive showdown in Hong Kong.

Comprehensive Camp in Kolkata Sets the Stage

Kolkata, often regarded as the heartbeat of Indian football, played host to an intensive training stint for the national side. From daily gym routines in the morning to tactical drills and technical work in the evenings, the squad left no stone unturned in its preparations.

During this phase, the Blue Tigers engaged in two closed-door matches. On May 26, they edged out Santosh Trophy winners Bengal 2-1, courtesy of strikes from Brandon Fernandes and Ashique Kuruniyan. The following day, India put on a commanding display, defeating North 24 Parganas 3-0 with goals from Sunil Chhetri, Chinglensana Singh Konsham, and Udanta Singh Kumam.

Márquez Confirms Full Squad Travel Plans

Confirming the travel plans on May 28, Márquez stated that all players involved in the Kolkata camp would head to Thailand. The match against the War Elephants will be instrumental in fine-tuning strategies before facing Hong Kong. “All 28 players from the camp in Kolkata will travel to Thailand,” said Márquez.

This decision ensures that every squad member gets an equal chance to impress, maintain match fitness, and adapt to the tactical framework being implemented by the coaching staff.

Clash Against Thailand: A Strategic Warm-up

Thailand, currently ranked higher than India in FIFA standings, will offer a stern challenge. The Southeast Asian outfit is known for its disciplined midfield and fast flank play, making them ideal opponents to simulate pressure situations.

Playing away from home also adds the benefit of acclimatization and psychological readiness, key factors heading into an important qualifier in a different climate and environment.

Focus Shifts to AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifier

Once the friendly concludes, the Indian team will depart for Hong Kong on June 5 to prepare for the all-important AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers Final Round match on June 10, scheduled for 17:30 IST. With a spot in the continental tournament on the line, the fixture against the East Asian side will test India’s mettle and mental resilience.

Complete 28-Man Squad Revealed

The squad selected by Márquez reflects a balanced mix of youth and experience, with stalwarts like Sunil Chhetri leading a group that includes several emerging talents.

Goalkeepers:
Hrithik Tiwari, Vishal Kaith, Gurmeet Singh, Amrinder Singh

Defenders:
Naorem Roshan Singh, Rahul Bheke, Chinglensana Singh Konsham, Anwar Ali, Boris Singh Thangjam, Sandesh Jhingan, Asish Rai, Subhasish Bose, Mehtab Singh, Abhishek Singh Tekcham

Midfielders:
Suresh Singh Wangjam, Mahesh Singh Naorem, Ayush Dev Chhetri, Udanta Singh Kumam, Lalengmawia Ralte, Liston Colaco, Ashique Kuruniyan, Brandon Fernandes, Nikhil Prabhu

Forwards:
Sunil Chhetri, Edmund Lalrindika, Manvir Singh, Suhail Ahmad Bhat, Lallianzuala Chhangte

Support Staff and Tactical Brains

Alongside Márquez, the team will be supported by an experienced coaching unit, including:

• Strength and Conditioning Coach: José Carlos Barroso
• Assistant Coaches: Mahesh Gawali, Benito Montalvo
• Goalkeeper Coach: Marc Gamon

Read More: Relegation Suspended: AIFF Appeals Committee Grants Temporary Relief to Delhi FC and SC Bengaluru; Hearing Slated for May 30

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