Manolo Marquez Steps Down As Indian Football Team Head Coach After Mutual Agreement With AIFF

Manolo Marquez has resigned as the head coach of the Indian Football Team after reaching a mutual agreement with the All India Football Federation. Marquez, who has also been managing FC Goa, has been under the scanner following India's recent defeats to Thailand and Hong Kong.

Manolo Marquez Mutually Parted Ways With AIFF

AIFF Deputy Secretary General K Satyanarayana confirmed the development to PTI.“The AIFF and Manolo decided to mutually part ways without any financial implications to any of the two parties. So, he is relieved from being India coach. The AIFF will shortly advertise for the post of head coach." The decision was taken in the AIFF Executive Committee meeting.

Marquez replaced Igor Stimac last year and signed a two-year contract with AIFF. But India succumbed to a new low under his tenure and managed to secure just one win in the last eight matches. The final nail in the coffin was India's 1-0 loss to Hong Kong in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers. Stefan Pereira scored a 95-minute penalty to send the Blue Tigers further deep into uncertainty.

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India's AFC Asian Cup Hopes Were Severely Dashed

India's AFC Asian Cup hopes were severely dashed following their defeat against Thailand. They are now placed 4th with Singapore leading Group C. Both Hong Kong and Bangladesh are ahead of them, and whoever becomes the new coach has a mountain to climb.

India still have four more matches left in the ongoing qualifying campaign. They will visit Singapore and Bangladesh for the remaining away games, while they host Singapore and Hong Kong in the remaining two games. Only group champions will progress to the next round. India need to win the rest of their matches and would hope the other results go in their favour.

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