New Delhi: Former Indian football team head coach Igor Stimac warned his successor Manolo Marquez of the difficulty that would come the latter’s way. However, he expressed his confidence in Marquez’s capability to lead the team forward in the right direction.
Stimac was expelled last month after India failed to advance in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. The former Indian coach described his unceremonious exit as ‘unjust’. Following his dismissal, Stimac warned AIFF of taking the association to the FIFA Tribunal if his outstanding debts weren’t reimbursed within 10 days. He further blamed the nation’s federation for the team’s lack of good performance in international football.
Stimac took to X and backed the Spaniard in doing the job. Stimac had previously guided Croatia to the semifinals of the 1998 World Cup. With the Indian senior team, he led the side in 53 international matches, winning 19, drawing 14 and losing 20.
Dear Manolo,
Congratulations on being named the new India head coach 🇮🇳
The journey won’t be easy, but your experience with Indian players speaks for itself and you are best suited to take the Blue Tigers to the next level!
Good luck my friend 💙🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/CAkEtffZnN
— Igor Štimac (@stimac_igor) July 22, 2024
AIFF have mentioned that Marquez will manage both the national side and the ISL franchise FC Goa for the 2024-25 season. After which he will serve the India job full-time. The 55-year-old’s assignment as India’s head coach will be the Tri-nation tournament in Vietnam in October, with Lebanon as the third nation.
The former Spanish defender has managed two ISL clubs thus far. His first stint was with Hyderabad FC (2020-23), and he led the side to the ISL Cup in 2021-22. He currently manages FC Goa, which finished third in the ISL league standings last season. Before his career in India, Marquez coached La Liga side Las Palmas in 2017 and many divisions as Las Palmas B, Espanyol B, Badalona, Prat and Europa. He was also a defender in lower-division Spanish until his retirement at the age of 28.
Stimac warned Manolo Marquez that the his leadership will be challenged in the Indian NT but trusts the Spaniard’s experience to cope with the pressure and demands. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
