New Delhi, July 3: In a significant development, Manolo Marquez has stepped down as the head coach of the Indian men’s national football team, following a mutual agreement with the All India Football Federation (AIFF). The decision was taken during the AIFF Executive Committee meeting on Wednesday.
The 56-year-old Spaniard, who was appointed in June 2024 on a two-year contract, expressed his desire to exit the role despite having one year left in his tenure. The AIFF accepted his request and announced that there would be no financial obligations involved in the parting.
"The AIFF and Manolo decided to mutually part ways without any financial implications to either party. So, he is relieved from being India coach. The AIFF will shortly advertise for the post of head coach," said AIFF Deputy Secretary General K Satyanarayana, speaking to PTI.
Marquez's departure comes in the wake of India's disappointing run under his leadership. The national team managed only one win in their last eight matches, a solitary victory against Maldives in March 2025. The team’s poor form continued with a 0-1 loss to lower-ranked Hong Kong in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers on June 10, severely jeopardizing their chances for the 2027 continental championship.
India's 2025 record under Marquez includes:
4 matches played
1 win, 1 draw, 2 losses
The recent string of poor performances also saw the return of iconic striker Sunil Chhetri from retirement, but the move did little to reverse the national team’s downward trajectory.
Before taking charge of the national side, Marquez served as head coach of Indian Super League club FC Goa during the 2024–25 season. Known for his tactical acumen and calm demeanor, Marquez had built a strong reputation in Indian football circles through his successful stints with ISL clubs like Hyderabad FC, where he won the ISL Cup.
Despite his reputation, his national team tenure has been the shortest in a decade. His predecessors, Stephen Constantine (2015–2019) and Igor Stimac (2019–2024), served longer terms.
Sources indicate that Marquez had conveyed his intent to step down even before the Hong Kong match in June but required formal agreement from the federation due to contractual obligations.
The AIFF has confirmed that the search for a new head coach will begin immediately. The next international assignment for the Indian team is a third-round AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Singapore, making it imperative for the federation to fill the coaching vacancy quickly.
Marquez's departure marks another period of transition for Indian football as it continues to search for consistency and success on the international stage.
