'Journey won't be easy': Sacked Indian Coach Igor Stimac Fires Warning to His Successor Manolo

Former head coach of the Indian men's football team, Igor Stimac, has issued a warning to his successor, Manolo Marquez, who has been appointed by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to take Stimac's place.

The association between Igor Stimac and AIFF ended on a sour note with the Croatian accusing the apex football body in the country of not clearing his dues. He even threatened to take a legal route if his concerns were not resolved. 

Also Read: 19-year-old Midfielder Supratim Das Signed By Mumbai FC On A Three Year Contract

Igor Stimac warns Manolo Marquez

In his latest statement, Igor Stimac has warned the newly-appointed head coach of the Indian team Manolo Marquez, saying that the journey won't be easy. 

"Dear Manolo, Congratulations on being named the new India head coach. The journey won't be easy, but your experience with Indian players speaks for itself and you are best suited to take the Blue Tigers to the next level! Good luck my friend," Stimac tweeted.

In a statement on Saturday, the AIFF said the 55-year-old Marquez will perform the dual role of managing the national team as well as the ISL franchise FC Goa in the 2024-25 season before taking up the India job on a full-time basis.

The tenure of Marquez, who is a UEFA Pro License holder, was not disclosed by the AIFF.

His first assignment as India head coach will be the Tri-Nation tournament in Vietnam in October. Lebanon is the third team.

Born in Barcelona, Marquez has been coaching in India since 2020. He has managed two ISL clubs so far. His first stint was with Hyderabad FC (2020-23), before he switched over to FC Goa (2023-present). He guided Hyderabad FC to the ISL Cup title in 2021-22.

Under him, FC Goa finished third in ISL league standing in the last season (2023-24).

Also Read: 'Finished club. Thank god this is CR7's last season': Fans BASH Al-Nassr's SHOW without Ronaldo

Overall, Marquez had an extensive coaching career in Spain. He was at the helm of affairs for La Liga side Las Palmas in 2017 and had also coached Spanish lower division clubs like Las Palmas B, Espanyol B, Badalona, Prat and Europa.

Before becoming a coach, Marquez played as a defender in many lower division Spanish sides. He retired professionally at 28. 

(With PTI inputs)