Manolo Márquez targets winning start as Mumbai City FC prepare for ISL 2026-27
Mumbai City begin their ISL 2026-27 season against Churchill Brothers on 11th October.
The Islanders begin their ISL 2026-27 campaign with a challenging away fixture, as Márquez looks to build on the club’s third-place finish last season.
Mumbai City FC will begin their Indian Super League 2026-27 campaign against Churchill Brothers SC at the Fatorda Stadium in Goa on Sunday, October 11, with head coach Manolo Márquez keen to see his side turn their pre-season preparations into a positive result.
The fixture marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Islanders, who finished third in the league last season, just one point behind the top two. With the Spanish taking charge after his previous spells with Hyderabad FC and FC Goa, Mumbai will look to establish themselves as contenders once again in a season that returns to the home and away format.
Churchill Brothers, meanwhile, present an unfamiliar challenge for Mumbai. With limited information available about their squad following a late pre-season, Márquez acknowledged the difficulty of assessing the opposition but insisted that his team must concentrate on its own performance.
The Spanish gaffer also pointed out the difficulty in facing an opponent like Churchill, which prompts the Islanders to focus on themselves more than anything else, in order to play a good game.
Márquez backs Mumbai’s squad ahead of season opener
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Mumbai City had seven weeks of pre-season preparation, although the availability of several players was affected by international commitments. Márquez admitted that the lack of competitive match practice could influence the early stages of the campaign, but stressed that it could not become an excuse.
The Spaniard also highlighted the importance of having the full squad available for a longer period, while pointing to the wider issue of fixture planning in Indian football.
“I think it is important to make the fixtures known earlier,” he said, emphasising that clubs need confirmed schedules to plan their preparations effectively.
Despite the challenges, Márquez expressed satisfaction with the squad assembled for the new season. Mumbai have strengthened in areas where reinforcements were required, while retaining an Indian core that helped the club finish third last season.
Márquez wants Mumbai to play attractive football
Having previously coached Hyderabad FC and FC Goa, Márquez arrives at Mumbai City with considerable experience of Indian football. He explained that his decision to move to Mumbai came after feeling that his cycle at Goa had reached its natural conclusion.
As he famously put it, “In three years, you need to change the coach or change the players.” After three seasons at FC Goa, Márquez felt his time at the club had come to an end before taking up the Mumbai City job.
He has also followed Mumbai’s progress under previous coaches, including Sergio Lobera, Des Buckingham and Petr Kratky, and views the club as one of the leading sides in the country.
When asked what supporters could expect from his team, the new manager said his approach would depend on the players available, while maintaining a clear emphasis on playing good football and winning matches.
“Mumbai have traditionally played good football,” he noted, adding that his aim would be to play attractive football while making results the priority.
The coach also acknowledged the expectations that come with leading a club of Mumbai’s stature. Rather than being distracted by the club’s history, however, he wants the players to concentrate on preparing well and giving their best in every match.
He also had a message for the supporters ahead of his first competitive game in charge. Márquez stopped short of promising results, but assured fans that the team would give everything on the pitch.
Tluanga keen to build on last season
Midfielder Lalnuntluanga Bawitlung, popularly known as Tluanga, is also looking forward to the new campaign after joining Mumbai City last season.
The midfielder said the presence of experienced Indian and foreign players helped him settle into the squad despite the limited preparation time last year. He expects the transition to be smoother this time around, with the team continuing its work under an experienced head coach.
Mumbai’s pre-season included friendly matches against local opponents with different playing styles, allowing the squad to work on its game and adapt to Márquez’s instructions.
He revealed that one of the key lessons from Márquez has been the importance of looking to play forward rather than passing backwards unnecessarily.
“I will give my best, but the most important thing is to follow the coach’s instructions,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the team would have a good chance of winning if the players executed the plan effectively.
Islanders face an early test away from home
Mumbai City’s opening fixture will be followed by two more away games against Punjab FC and Kerala Blasters before they return to the Mumbai Football Arena to face Sporting Club Delhi on November 1. The Islanders will therefore be looking to make the most of their opening fixtures before beginning their home campaign.
For Márquez, Sunday’s match is an opportunity to assess how well his players can translate their pre-season work into competitive performances. For Tluanga and the rest of the squad, it is the first chance to put the new coach’s ideas into practice when the points are at stake.
When will Mumbai City FC start their new campaign under Manolo Márquez?
Mumbai City FC start their new campaign under Manolo Marquez on October 11, 2026, 7:30 PM IST, as Churchill Brothers SC will host Mumbai City FC at the Fatorda Stadium in Goa.
Which ISL teams has Manolo Márquez coached before?
Manolo Márquez has previously been the manager for FC Goa & Hyderabad FC in the ISL.
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