‘If we don't sign anyone, it will be difficult’: Manolo Marquez on Mumbai City's struggles
The Islanders share spoils with the Tuskers in an away clash
Mumbai City FC head coach Manolo Marquez delivered an honest assessment of his side’s current situation following their goalless draw against Kerala Blasters in the Indian Super League (ISL). Despite a committed defensive performance, the Islanders were unable to find the back of the net, with injuries to three key players further exposing the limitations of their squad.
Marquez admitted that Mumbai City need attacking reinforcements if they are to realistically target a top-six finish this season. With Vikram Partap Singh, Wilmar Jordan Gil and Leandro Otormin all facing lengthy spells on the sidelines, the Islanders have been dealt a significant blow in the opening stages of the campaign.
The Spaniard was particularly candid about the team’s shortcomings, highlighting the importance of having the right players available to convert chances into goals.
“You don’t need to be an expert to see what is missing in this team”: Marquez
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Marquez was pleased with his players’ effort and commitment against Kerala Blasters but made it clear that Mumbai City’s attacking limitations were becoming increasingly difficult to overlook.
“Great effort, great commitment. You don’t need to be an expert to see what is missing in this team,” Marquez said.
The injuries to Vikram, Jordan and Leandro have left Mumbai severely short of options in the attacking third. Vikram’s absence takes away a direct winger who can stretch defences, while Jordan’s injury leaves the Islanders without their primary striker.
Leandro, who could provide creativity and operate in attacking positions, is also expected to be out for a long period.
As a result, Mumbai City are now missing both a recognised No. 9 and a natural No. 10, leaving Marquez with limited options to address the team’s attacking problems.
The head coach also pointed out that Amrinder Singh winning the Man of the Match award was a clear indication that Mumbai had created enough opportunities to win the game.
“When the Man of the Match is Amrinder, we had the clearest chances in the game, and we could have got three points.”
Despite failing to score, Mumbai had their opportunities to secure all three points, with Kerala’s goalkeeper playing a decisive role in keeping the Islanders at bay. For Marquez, the result was disappointing given the chances his team created.
However, the inability to convert those opportunities remains a concern. While Mumbai showed defensive discipline and commitment, Marquez acknowledged that those qualities alone would not be enough to deliver results.
“You can defend, but if the other team outscores you, finish,” he remarked, emphasising the need for his side to become more effective in front of goal.
Marquez sets top-six target but insists Mumbai need a striker
The Mumbai City head coach was equally direct when discussing the club’s ambitions for the season and the importance of bringing in a striker.
“I have a feeling that if we sign a striker, we will finish in the top six, and that would be my mission. If we don’t sign anyone, then it will be difficult.”
The statement underlines how important recruitment could be to Mumbai City’s campaign. With Jordan and Leandro sidelined for an extended period, and Vikram also out for a long time, the club’s attacking depth has been severely compromised.
Signing a striker would give Marquez a recognised focal point in attack, something the team has struggled to establish amid its current injury problems. However, the absence of a natural No. 10 also raises questions about where the creativity and final ball will come from.
Mumbai’s defensive performances have offered some encouragement, but the team will need to convert its chances into goals to compete for a top-six spot.
Marquez’s comments also put the responsibility on the club to assess its options in the transfer market. With the season already underway, any further delay in strengthening the attack could make the task considerably more difficult.
Manolo Marquez believes this Islanders side is completely different from the previous ones
One of the most hard-hitting aspects of Marquez’s press conference was his assessment of the wider situation in Indian football and the changing identity of Mumbai City FC.
The Islanders enjoyed a successful period in previous seasons, winning two ISL League Shields and two ISL Cups. However, the current squad is operating in a different environment, and Marquez believes that the circumstances surrounding the club need to be understood before expectations are set.
“Obviously, I am disappointed with the start. I feel people are not aware of the situation in Indian football,” he said.
“Chennaiyin is no longer the same Chennaiyin; Goa is not Goa, and Mumbai is not the same Mumbai that won two Shields and two trophies. This is a different team from the one that won four trophies.”
The Spaniard also highlighted the different approaches and challenges facing clubs across the league.
Jamshedpur FC have decided to focus on their academy, while NorthEast United and Punjab FC continue to grow. Mohun Bagan Super Giant, East Bengal and Bengaluru FC are more established teams, while Kerala Blasters are once again starting from scratch.
Marquez’s observations reflect the changing competitive landscape of Indian football, where clubs are dealing with different levels of stability, resources and uncertainty.
For Mumbai City, the transition from their trophy-winning years has brought new challenges. The current squad cannot simply be judged against the standards set by previous teams, particularly when injuries have further reduced the available options.
Youngsters impress Manolo Marquez with their hunger
With several senior players unavailable, Mumbai City have had to turn to their younger players for additional options.
Supratim Das and Yuvraj Kadam made their ISL debuts against Kerala Blasters, while Hridaya Jain made his third appearance in the competition.
Although the youngsters came on late in the game and had limited time to influence the result, Marquez was impressed by their attitude and commitment.
“Yuvraj played five minutes today and showed more hunger than Farukh and other players,” he said.
“I am happy with the efforts of all the players, but the hunger of the youngsters who came on made me very happy.”
Marquez also acknowledged that Yuvraj and Hridaya were not yet fully ready for the demands of the ISL but insisted that both players had shown enough promise to become important assets for the club in the future.
“Yuvraj and Hridaya have shown enough promise. Even though they aren’t ready for the ISL yet, they will be very good for the future.”
The coach’s comments highlighted the balance between recognising the potential of young players and understanding that they still need time to develop.
For Mumbai City, the opportunities given to these youngsters could prove valuable in the long run. In the short term, however, the club will need its remaining senior players to step up as it navigates a difficult period.
Marquez praises Kerala Blasters supporters
Despite the disappointment of dropping points, Marquez was full of praise for the atmosphere at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi.
The Spaniard admitted that the support from the stands made him wish he could experience the occasion as a player rather than a coach.
“I enjoyed playing in this stadium today. Today, I would have loved to be a player instead of a coach. This is my fifth team here, and the atmosphere today was top.”
Marquez congratulated the Kerala Blasters supporters for turning up in numbers and creating an atmosphere that added to the occasion.
He also looked ahead to the reverse fixture at the Mumbai Football Arena next Sunday, expressing his hope that Mumbai City fans would help the Islanders secure their first victory of the season.
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