Manolo Marquez New Indian Football Team Coach Won't Work Full Time, Here's Why

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Saturday announced the appointment of Spanish coach Manolo Marquez as the new head coach of Indian Football Team. Manolo Marquez replaces Igor Stimac whose tenure came to an end after India failed to book their berth for the third round of FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers in June. 

However, AIFF has announced that the new coach Manolo Marquez won't be taking over the national team responsibility on a full time basis. Here's explained why Marquez won't be working full time for India. 

Why Manolo Marquez won't be working full time for India?

Manolo Marquez is the current head coach of Indian Super League (ISL) club FC Goa. As it turns out, Manolo Marquez hasn't been relieved from his club duties as of yet and he has only been allowed to take over as the new Indian team head coach. 

Also Read | AIFF Appoints Manolo Marquez as New Head Coach of Men's Football Team

As revealed by AIFF, for his first year in charge of Blue Tigers, Manolo Marquez will work as both a club and national team manager. He will take charge of both FC Goa and Indian Men's senior football team for the 2024-25 season. 

Upon the conclusion of 2024-25 season, Manolo Marquez will take over the responsibility of the national team full time. 

Also Read | Who is Manolo Marquez? The new head coach of the Indian football team

Manolo Marquez thanks FC Goa for allowing him to manage India

Manolo Marquez in his first statement since taking over as Indian football team head coach thanked his club FC Goa for allowing him to simultaneously manage both the responsibilities. 

“I am very grateful to FC Goa for allowing us the flexibility to help the national team during the coming season while I am still the club’s head coach. I'm grateful to the AIFF for this opportunity and we hope to do great things for football,” said Manolo Marquez.

Manolo Marquez took over FC Goa coach in 2023. He has managed in ISL since 2020 and won the ISL Cup with Hyderabad.