New Delhi: The All India Football Federation is keen not to lift the lid on the future its men’s national team coach even though Manolo Marquez has informed his intention to leave even before India’s defeat in an AFC Asian Cup qualifier on June 10.
As reported by News9 Sports on June 9, the Spaniard had made up his mind in April and had duly informed the federation on the sidelines of the Super Cup in Bhubaneswar but accepted a request to extend his stay on the understanding of initiating a mutual termination process after the away game in Hong Kong, in which they plunged to a 1-0 defeat.
While president Kayan Chaubey insisted at a press conference on June 13 that a call on Marquez’s status would only be taken at its executive committee meeting on July 2, national team director Subrata Paul let the cat out of the bag in an e-mail on June 24.
Sent to all head of the departments of the AIFF, Paul had informed: “A crucial decision needs to be taken regarding the appointment of the head coach for the Indian senior football team. The committee must discuss whether to entrust this responsibility to an Indian coach or to appoint a foreign expert, keeping in mind the current complex scenario in the Asian Cup Qualifier group.”
His declaration is at odds with what Chaubey, in the presence of Paul, said in New Delhi. “In the last few days, we’ve received several calls questioning whether he should continue. A decision will be taken during the Executive Committee meeting,” he told a room full of journalists at the Press Club of India in Central Delhi.
Players short on patriotism?
In the minutes of a technical committee meeting on April 17, Paul also noted various challenges of the national team. “These included issues related to Player’s attitude, patriotism and overall team spirit. He also pointed out the difficulties encountered when clubs are reluctant to release players for national duty due to their commitments in various leagues, championships, and tournaments,” he wrote.
Hand picked by Chaubey, the former shot-stopper was appointed in February for the national team role, even after deputy secretary general M Satyanarayan having an additional designated post of the head of the national team.
The move has been questioned by Paul’s former team-mate and executive committee member Bhaichung Bhutia, who deemed it as an insult to Marquez.
Manolo Marquez found the going tough as the India coach. Photo: AIFF Media
When asked if his mail is in contrast with AIFF’s official stance, the former India keeper clarified that a decision would indeed be taken “in the meeting”, which was also endorsed by another official.
“We haven’t heard from him, neither has the AIFF sacked him. Unless we hear from Manolo, we will only discuss performance of the team at the Ex Co,” he said, preferring not to be named citing the sensitive nature of the matter.
Going, going, gone?
However, it’s an open secret in the corridors of Football House that Marquez’s stint will end only a year into his three-year deal.
“Definitely it’s going to happen,” a person aware of the development said.
It hasn’t been made clear why the AIFF is keen to keep the suspense over Marquez even though they have made informal enquiries about availability of other coaches.
He had earlier not responded to call and texts when approached to speak on the issue.
Marquez was appointed in July last year on condition of simultaneously coaching FC Goa till the end of the 2024-25 season in April to reduce the burden on AIFF’s coffers after $400,000 payout to his predecessor Igor Stimac for unilateral termination of contract.
He was paid $10,000 per international window of September, October, November last year and March this year besides drawing his full annual salary at Goa.
But in his dual role, he was unable to drive the national team to a win in any competitive match, managing only a friendly win in eight outings (three losses and four draws), leaving India at the bottom of their Asian Cup qualifier group with only a point after two rounds.
In their next competitive match, India face Singapore in an Asian Cup qualifier on October 9.