Being the new coach of Indian football is a dream come true. However, Spaniard Manolo Marquez thinks Indigenous coaches are needed in the future of Indian football.
Being the new coach of Indian football is a dream come true. However, Spaniard Manolo Marquez thinks that Indigenous coaches are needed in the future of Indian football. He also said that his primary goal as a coach is to qualify for the Asian Cup.
Manolo held his first press conference in Delhi on Sunday. He said, “Except for Spain, I have spent the most time in India. A long time ago, he thought that he would become the coach of the national team. That dream has come true. But in the coming days, an Indian should be the coach of the national team. He will know well how football works in this country. You can bring footballers from different parts of the country.”
The Intercontinental Cup in September is Manolo’s first stint as India coach. After that, they will play a tri-nation series in Vietnam. The 2027 Asian Cup is on Manolo’s mind. Reaching the third round of World Cup qualifying would have already qualified for the Asian Cup. India could not. So the qualifying round has to be played.
Manolo said, “I want to improve the quality of Indian football. Both individually and as a team. It won’t happen now, it will take time. The first goal is to win every match. However, the long-term goal is to qualify for the Asian Cup. I will get a chance to play 6-7 matches in the qualifying phase. So the next two matches will help us prepare.”
Manolo feels that Indian footballers should play more abroad. No matter how low he is in the division. He said, “More Indian footballers should play in ISL. In my opinion, Indians should play in foreign minor leagues as well. They can improve themselves. I know they are happy to play in ISL. I would love it if they go and play abroad.”
