Manolo Marquez: ‘Target Should Be Having an Indian as National Team Coach’

Manolo Marquez, the soft-spoken Spaniard who has impressed Indian football with his adept use of resources, has recently been appointed as the head coach of the senior national men’s football team. Alongside this role, Marquez will continue his coaching duties with ISL club FC Goa. In an interview on the All India Football Federation (AIFF) website, Marquez emphasized the importance of ‘coach education’ globally.

He stated, “Coach education is crucial everywhere, not just in India. Licenses are important, but having a license doesn’t necessarily make someone a better coach. A person without a license might possess deeper football knowledge.”

As Marquez prepares to lead the Blue Tigers in the Intercontinental Cup in Hyderabad, where they will face Syria and Mauritius, he reflected on the progress he has seen in Indian coaches over his four-year tenure in India.

“During my time here, I’ve noticed a significant improvement in the level of Indian coaches. Last season saw two Indian head coaches—Thangboi Singto (Hyderabad FC) and Khalid Jamil (Jamshedpur FC). Clifford Miranda also won the Super Cup with Odisha FC,” Marquez noted.

He also praised the Indian assistant coaches he has worked with, including Gouramangi Singh, a former India international, and Mahesh Gawali, a former national team player.

Marquez believes that the long-term goal should be to have an Indian head coach for the national team. “The aim should be to see Indian assistant coaches become head coaches, not just for the national team but also at club level. They might start with the U-17 or U-19 teams before advancing to senior roles,” he said.