Manolo Marquez's Future Uncertain But Needs AIFF's 'Permission To Part Ways'

Last Updated:June 11, 2025, 15:36 IST

Indian men's football team head coach Manolo Marquez's future is uncertain, risking 2027 Asia Cup hopes amid fan discontent.

Indian men's football team head coach Manolo Marquez (AIFF)

Indian men’s football has endured a challenging 18 months, marked by a single victory in 16 matches since the start of 2024. A 1-0 defeat to Hong Kong in the AFC Asian Cup qualifier on Tuesday exacerbated the situation, bringing the team’s struggles into sharp focus.

Fan discontent with head coach Igor Stimac’s successor, Manolo Marquez, have intensified after a string of demoralising losses, including three consecutive goalless games against Bangladesh, Thailand, and Hong Kong, leaving fans questioning the team’s ability. India’s hopes of qualifying for the 2027 Asia Cup are now precarious, and speculation surrounds Marquez’s future.

Rumours of Marquez’s potential resignation had already started doing the rounds as sources suggest that the Spaniard, who replaced Stimac in July 2024, is contemplating stepping down within a year of his appointment.

However, an All India Football Federation (AIFF) source confirmed Marquez has not formally tendered his resignation. The federation awaits official communication from him regarding his intentions but that too many not be simple.

“He can do so only after mutual agreement, that the AIFF gives him permission to part ways," an AIFF source told PTI after India’s loss to Hong Kong

“We have not got any request in writing from Manolo that he wants to leave from the job. We can apply our mind only after he informs us what he wants," the source added.

India must win their remaining four matches to maintain any hope of qualification, currently languishing at the bottom of their group. While home and away fixtures against Singapore are scheduled for the October international break, Marquez’s presence for those games remains uncertain.

After the game, when asked about about India’s chances, Marquez said: “It’s not the moment to think about this. We are sad, the dressing room was like a funeral. They know that we are not in a good moment in terms of scoring; it’s difficult for us to score. It’s true that the team played in a more ordered fashion, but we couldn’t get any points here."

“We lost at least one point in the last action, and Hong Kong got three points. I told the dressing room that we obviously we want to win matches, but sometimes the team doesn’t know how to play out a draw. Today, if you couldn’t win before the 90th minute, at least try to be in a position to avoid the loss. I feel that India are still in the fight for the qualification process," he added.

Ritayan Basu

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket, having cov...Read More

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket, having cov...

Read More

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