Manolo Marquez Likely To Request Exit As India Coach After Poor Performance: Report

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Manolo Marquez: Indian men's football finds itself in a deep crisis, with the national team enduring a prolonged period of dismal performances. Over the past 18 months, the side has managed just one win in 16 matches-a record that has left fans and analysts alike questioning the current trajectory of Indian football.

The latest low came on Tuesday, when India slumped to a 1-0 defeat against Hong Kong in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. The loss-against a team ranked considerably lower-has only amplified the discontent around head coach Manolo Marquez.

Appointed in July 2024 as Igor Stimac's successor, the Spaniard is reportedly considering stepping down less than a year into the job, with the team's fortunes rapidly declining under his leadership.

The situation has reached a breaking point, with India going scoreless in three straight games-against Bangladesh, Thailand, and now Hong Kong. Despite being relatively modest opponents, India failed to muster a single goal, sparking widespread criticism of the team's attacking approach and lack of tactical cohesion.

One of Marquez's most controversial decisions was benching veteran striker Sunil Chhetri for the Hong Kong game-an omission that many have branded as a tactical error in a match India desperately needed to win.

Now ranked 133rd in the FIFA standings, India's hopes of qualifying for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup are hanging by a thread. To keep those dreams alive, they must win all four of their remaining qualification matches. However, uncertainty looms over who will be in charge for those crucial games.

As speculation intensifies, sources close to the matter have indicated that Marquez is contemplating formally asking the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to relieve him of his duties. Despite growing pressure, the AIFF has yet to receive any formal resignation.

"We have not got any request in writing from Manolo that he wants to leave from the job. We can apply our mind only after he informs us what he wants," said an AIFF official as per a report by PTI.

India's next set of qualifiers-home and away clashes against Singapore-are scheduled for the October international break. Whether Marquez will be in the dugout for those matches remains to be seen. For now, the AIFF and Indian football fans await his decision, as the national team stares at yet another potential crossroads.