5 things we learnt from Manolo Marquez's debut as Indian men's football team coach

More than India’s failure to qualify for the third round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers, it was the stagnation of the Indian men’s football team under former coach Igor Stimac that signalled the need for change. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) responded by handing the reins to veteran coach Manolo Marquez, who brings extensive experience working in India.

Unlike Stimac, Marquez has a deep understanding of Indian football, having managed in the Indian Super League (ISL) since 2020, first with Hyderabad FC and now with FC Goa, where he will continue as coach until the end of the 2024-25 season.

Marquez made his India debut on Tuesday in Hyderabad, as the Blue Tigers laboured to a goalless draw against lower-ranked Mauritius in the Intercontinental Cup 2024 opener. The performance echoed the struggles seen under Stimac’s guidance, such as those against Kuwait and Afghanistan.

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Has anything changed for the Indian football team? What were the major takeaways from Marquez’s debut as Blue Tigers coach? We take a look at the five key learnings from the match.

Marquez, the straight-talker

The Spaniard coach has a reputation for being a straight talker and he didn’t miss last night when he admitted that his team played the worst possible football. Against a team that is 55 spots below, India could muster just one shot in target and only 10 shots overs despite having 65% possession.

“We finished very tired. It’s clear that it’s pre-season, it’s clear that we didn’t train. It’s a good game in terms of that we didn’t concede and the effort of the players. It’s a good game because, from here, it is difficult to play worse that today. From here, we will grow,” Manolo told the broadcasters.

Honesty is welcomed in Indian football because hubris and pretension have led to multiple failures.

The work rate is a concern 

Yes, it’s pre-season, and performances are expected to improve as the season progresses. However, it’s also true that largely the same set of players recently failed to deliver in crucial matches, even after long training camps. For instance, in Sunil Chhetri’s last international match against Kuwait earlier this year and the AFC Asian Cup.

The drastic drop in work rate during international matches midway through last season was inexplicable unless there’s a deeper issue within the dressing room. Unfortunately, this trend seems to have continued, as seen in the recent draw against Mauritius.

Whatever the reason, the sharp decline in the work rate is alarming. Marquez’s role will need to extend beyond that of a football tactician; he will have to focus on fostering holistic growth both on and off the pitch.

Long camps, please

This point somewhat contradicts the previous suggestion, but it’s important to note that just two training sessions before an international match are far from sufficient — especially for a team ranked outside the top 100 in the world. While Mauritius maybe 55 spots lower, the pride of playing for the national team brings out a different level of intensity, making international matches far more challenging than club games.

For less technically skilled teams like India, a longer camp is essential, not only to instill tactical discipline but also to build team cohesion and focus. The absence of these elements was evident; otherwise, how can you explain India’s failure to beat a team ranked 179th?

When will goals come?

The draw itself is concerning, but a goalless draw highlights an ongoing issue that has plagued India for some time. In nine games since the match against Qatar last November, India has managed to score only three goals. When chances come, the finishing has become a significant problem.

But forget finishing, creativity was lacking as well. The midfield, comprising Chhangte, Anirudh Thapa, Liston Colaco, Apuia, and Jeakson Singh, lacked bite, and the introductions of Sahal Abdul Samad and Nandhakumar Sekar offered little improvement.

With Chhetri now retired, every goalless match will only increase the pressure on both the coach and the players.

Hyderabad shows love for football

India’s match against Mauritius marked the national team’s return to Hyderabad after 16 years. Held at the renovated GMC Balayogi Athletic Stadium, the Indian players may not have risen to the occasion, but the fans certainly did.

The packed stands were a sight for sore eyes, bringing much-needed energy to the venue. Hopefully, against Syria on Monday, the Blue Tigers will deliver the performance these passionate supporters truly deserve.