Five reasons why Manolo Marquez’s reign as Indian team head coach will be different from Igor Stimac

Both the current and the former national team managers have their distinct skill sets.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has appointed Manolo Marquez as the new head coach of the Indian football team, signaling a new era for the senior Men’s football team. The first National team assignment for the new coach will be the Intercontinental Cup involving Syria and Mauritius in his old stomping ground in Gachibowli, Hyderabad. 

Former head coach and Croatian Igor Stimac was dismissed following India’s poor campaign in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers as well as a dismal AFC Asian Cup campaign where India struggled to score a goal and score a point in the tournament. India’s failure to advance to the third round, despite being handed a relatively favorable draw, prompted the AIFF to take decisive action. 

With the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers on the horizon, the federation is placing its trust in Marquez, who has been given ample time to prepare the team. Notably, Marquez will also continue his role as head coach of FC Goa in the Indian Super League (ISL) until the end of the season. 

Here, we explore five key ways in which Manolo Marquez is expected to differ from his predecessor, Igor Stimac, in leading the Indian national team.

5. Ease of Settling In

One of the most significant advantages Marquez brings to the table is his familiarity with Indian football. Unlike Igor Stimac, who took time to understand the Indian football ecosystem and its quite visible limitations, Marquez comes with a wealth of experience from his time in the La Liga as well as the ISL. Having been associated with Indian football since 2020, Marquez first made his mark as the head coach of Hyderabad FC, where he led the team to an ISL title. 

This prior experience gives him an intimate understanding of the talent pool in the country. Manolo Marquez has already worked with many of the current national team players, which will allow him to hit the ground running and make informed decisions about squad selection and tactics from the word go.

4. Tactical Flexibility

Marquez is known for his tactical adaptability, a trait that sets him apart from Stimac. Under the Croat, India often struggled with improper tactics that did not always suit the players available. Márquez, however, has demonstrated a keen ability to adapt his tactics based on the strengths and weaknesses of his squad. During his time at Hyderabad FC, he was praised for getting the best out of his players, often making astute tactical adjustments to outclass the opponents.

Marquez is likely to bring this same tactical flexibility to the national team, which could lead to more effective and dynamic performances on the pitch. His knowledge of the players’ capabilities and limitations will allow him to deploy formations and strategies that maximize the team’s potential in various match situations.

3. Meritocracy in Squad Selection

One of the most common criticisms of Stimac’s tenure was the perceived favoritism in squad selection. Indian football fans frequently expressed frustration that the same set of players were being called up repeatedly, even when their form in the league was questionable. Promising talents who performed well in the ISL and the I-League were often overlooked, leading to a sense of stagnation in the national team setup. 

Marquez, by contrast, is expected to emphasize meritocracy in his squad selections. Although his initial squad for the Intercontinental Cup raised some eyebrows, there is a general belief that, over time, he will ensure that players are selected based on their current form and performances in the league.

2. Focus on Player Development

Marquez’s track record in player development is another area where he is likely to differ from Stimac. While Stimac was often focused on continuity with the same set of players without being accountable for their poor performances to focus on results, Marquez has shown a commitment to developing young players and helping them grow into key contributors to their teams.

During his time at Hyderabad FC, the Spaniard played a crucial role in the development of several young Indian talents, such as Akash Mishra, Liston Colaco, and many others who have since become integral parts of the national team setup. 

1. Effective Man Management

Perhaps one of the most defining qualities of Manolo Marquez is his exceptional man-management skills. Players who have worked under Márquez often speak highly of his ability to motivate and support them, both on and off the pitch. His approachable nature and understanding of individual player needs have helped him build strong relationships with his squads, leading to improved performances. 

This contrasts with the more disciplinarian approach of Stimac, which sometimes led to friction between the veterans and the newcomers in the team. Marquez’s ability to connect with his players on a personal level and foster a positive team environment could be key to unlocking the full potential of the Indian national team.

First training session under Manolo Márquez ✅ #IndianFootball #India #ManoloMarquez (1/3) pic.twitter.com/2R9yxCQNAn

— Khel Now (@KhelNow) September 1, 2024

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