In a bid to revamp its footballing future, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has once again opened the doors for a new head coach of the Indian football team. While the number of applications this year is noticeably lower, the list includes a few eye-catching names—none bigger than Liverpool legends Robbie Fowler and Harry Kewell. As India stares down a challenging AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifying path, the hunt for the perfect tactician takes on new urgency.
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Indian Football Team Coach Hunt Draws Global Attention
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has received 170 applications for the vacant position of Indian football team coach, following the resignation of Manolo Marquez on July 2. The federation had officially invited applications on July 4, and while the response was robust, it fell short of last year’s record 291 applicants.
Unlike the previous round of hiring—which saw interest from high-profile names, including coaches with FIFA World Cup credentials—this year’s pool, though smaller, features a blend of promising and recognizable candidates from across the globe.
One of the biggest surprises this time has been the interest shown by two former Liverpool stars—Robbie Fowler and Harry Kewell. Both boast impressive resumes as players, and in recent years, have taken up managerial roles across different leagues. Their interest could indicate a desire to bring attacking flair and international experience to Indian shores.
Who Else is in the Mix?
Besides the Anfield alumni, other notable names include:
| Coach | Background |
|---|---|
| Caio Zanardie | Former Brazil U-17 coach |
| Jordi Vinyals | Ex-Barcelona B coach; last managed Zhejiang Professional in China |
| Peter Segrt | Coached Tajikistan, Maldives & Afghanistan |
| Roel Coumans | Part of Australia’s 2018 FIFA World Cup staff |
| Aritz Lopez Garai | Current coach of Mauritania |
| Stephen Constantine | Ex-India coach; won four trophies; 73 matches in charge |
While the AIFF hasn’t publicly revealed the complete list of applicants, sources suggest these names have either formally applied or expressed strong interest.
Domestic Names in Contention
If AIFF opts for a homegrown or India-based option, several coaches with Indian Super League (ISL) or I-League success are on the table:
| Coach | Achievements |
|---|---|
| Antonio Lopez Habas | Two-time ISL Champion with ATK |
| Sergio Lobera | ISL-winning coach with Mumbai City FC |
| Staikos Vergetis | I-League winner with Punjab FC |
| Andrey Chernyshov | Ex-Mohammedan Sporting coach; open to Indian assistants |
| Khalid Jamil | First Indian to lead an ISL team full season |
| Sanjoy Sen & Santosh Kashyap | Veteran Indian coaches with strong grassroots credentials |
Chernyshov, notably, has welcomed the inclusion of Indian assistants in his backroom staff—a gesture that could work in his favor given AIFF’s growing focus on local coaching development.
What’s at Stake?
The next coach will face immediate and immense pressure. With India’s AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualification hopes hanging by a thread after a shock defeat to Hong Kong, the road ahead is steep.
India sits at the bottom of its group in the final round of qualifiers. With four crucial matches remaining—two against Singapore, and one each against Bangladesh and Hong Kong—the Blue Tigers must win all to secure top spot and automatic qualification for the tournament in Saudi Arabia.
| India’s Remaining Fixtures | Opponent |
|---|---|
| Match 1 | Singapore |
| Match 2 | Bangladesh |
| Match 3 | Hong Kong |
| Match 4 | Singapore |
What Comes Next?
The AIFF is now in the process of shortlisting candidates from the 170-strong list. A long list will be prepared before narrowing down to a final few who will be interviewed. Given the mix of experience, local relevance, and international exposure among the applicants, AIFF faces a critical decision that could define Indian football’s next decade..
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FAQs
Who are the most high-profile applicants for the Indian football team coach role?
Robbie Fowler and Harry Kewell—both former Liverpool stars—are among the biggest names to apply.
Why did the AIFF invite new coach applications?
The position became vacant after Manolo Marquez resigned on July 2, prompting the AIFF to start a global search.
Has Stephen Constantine reapplied for the job?
Yes, the former India head coach—who has managed the team for 73 matches—has reapplied for the role.
How many candidates have applied this year?
The AIFF received 170 applications, significantly fewer than the 291 from last year.
What is the Indian football team’s current qualification status?
India is at the bottom of its group in AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers and must win all four remaining matches to qualify.
