The All India Football Federation (AIFF) confirmed that Manolo Marquez has been appointed as the Indian men's football team's head coach. Marquez will succeed Igor Stimac in the role. The Spanish football manager is currently in-charge of FC Goa in the Indian Super League, and AIFF stated that Marquez will remain the manager of the club throughout the 2024-25 season, while also handling the responsibilities of the Indian football team.
Commenting on the development, AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey stated, “We are delighted to welcome 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 Marquez in the years ahead. The AIFF, FC Goa, and Marquez will collaborate closely to ensure there is minimal impact between the two jobs and strive to achieve the best possible results for all involved.”
Marquez also issued a statement on his appointment, thanking the federation for “providing flexibility” for him to work with FC Goa concurrently with the Indian team for the upcoming season. Marquez has been coaching in India since 2020. He has coached two ISL clubs – his first stint was with Hyderabad FC (2020-23), before he switched over to FC Goa (2023-present). Overall, Marquez had an extensive coaching career in Spain – Las Palmas (top division) and Las Palmas B, Espanyol B, Badalona, Prat, Europa (third division).
