FC Goa confirms Manolo Marquez will continue as head coach for the 2025/26 season. The former India national team boss returns full-time after parting ways with AIFF. Despite ISL uncertainty, Marquez’s club success offers FC Goa much-needed stability ahead of the upcoming football season.
In a significant development for Indian football, FC Goa has officially confirmed that Spanish tactician Manolo Marquez will continue as the club’s head coach for the 2025/26 season. The announcement came via the club’s social media platforms, signaling stability for the Gaurs at a time when Indian football finds itself at a crossroads.
A Clear Commitment to FC Goa
Marquez, a seasoned coach with a proven track record in the Indian Super League (ISL), expressed his satisfaction and commitment towards continuing his journey with FC Goa. “I was very happy during the previous two seasons, where the team showed consistent improvement each year,” said the Spaniard. “The level of organisation that the club operates with is not commonly observed in Indian club football, making FC Goa a very special club. It was clear for me that if I were to continue in India, it had to be with FC Goa.”
His comments reflect not only a personal connection to the club but also a shared vision of footballing progress that has defined FC Goa’s recent campaigns under his leadership.
A Mixed Bag with the National Team
Marquez’s return to a full-time role with FC Goa comes after an underwhelming stint as the head coach of the Indian national team. Appointed in 2024 on a two-year contract, he was tasked with guiding the Blue Tigers through the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers and elevating the national side to the next level. However, his tenure was marred by poor performances and tactical inconsistency.
India began their qualifying campaign with a disappointing draw against Bangladesh, followed by a heart-breaking injury-time loss to Hong Kong. These results sparked growing criticism, and the pressure mounted after a run of just one win in eight games under Marquez—a 3-0 friendly victory over the Maldives. His final win percentage stood at a lowly 13%, which ultimately led to his departure from the national role.
A Decorated Club Career in India
Despite his struggles at the national level, Marquez’s club-level achievements in India remain commendable. He first arrived in the country ahead of the 2020-21 ISL season, taking charge of Hyderabad FC. During his three-year stint with the Nizams, Marquez led the team to their first-ever ISL title in 2022. Under his stewardship, Hyderabad FC played 74 matches, winning 37 and drawing 21—a testament to his tactical acumen and ability to build competitive squads.
In 2023, Marquez made the switch to FC Goa, where he continued his success. His tenure with the Gaurs has seen them win 38 out of 62 matches, alongside 12 draws and 12 losses. He also guided the team to a triumphant Super Cup campaign, adding further silverware to his already impressive Indian football resume.
ISL’s Future in Limbo
While FC Goa is focused on its preparations for the new season with Marquez at the helm, the larger ecosystem of Indian football faces a cloud of uncertainty. Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), the IMG-Reliance entity responsible for organizing the ISL, has reportedly put the 2025-26 season on hold. The move comes amid unresolved negotiations with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) over the extension of their operational agreement.
This deadlock raises serious questions about the future of the ISL, player contracts, broadcasting rights, and the overall growth of the sport in the country. For now, clubs like FC Goa are pressing ahead, but the delay in finalizing the league’s calendar casts a long shadow over their planning and recruitment strategies.
Looking Ahead
With Manolo Marquez reaffirming his commitment to FC Goa, the club enters the new season with a sense of continuity and purpose. His tactical nous and familiarity with the Indian football landscape make him a key asset for the Gaurs in the months ahead.
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However, the uncertainty surrounding the ISL’s future means that even the most well-prepared teams could face unpredictable challenges. As Indian football awaits clarity on the fate of its premier league, FC Goa’s steadying presence in the form of Marquez provides at least one bright spot in an otherwise volatile scenario.
