NEW DELHI: Manolo Marquez has resigned from the post of coach of the Indian football team. Manolo had expressed his willingness to step down after the defeat in the Asian Cup qualifiers. The AIFF executive committee accepted Manolo's request.

Igor Stimac was replaced by FC Goa coach Manolo as the Indian coach in July 2024. The Indian team could not perform as expected under Manolo. Not a single goal was scored in the last three matches. The poor performance was against Bangladesh, Thailand and Hong Kong teams. Manolo brought back retired Sunil Chhetri, but it was of no use. Manolo fielded the team by benching superstar Sunil Chhetri in the match against Hong Kong. Chhetri was brought on in the 58th minute, but the team could not win. The Asian Cup qualification was also in the balance with the defeat. With this, Manolo Marquez expressed his willingness to step down as coach.

Manolo Marquez: Eight games, one win

The Spaniard Manolo arrived in India as a coach in 2020.

He became the coach of Hyderabad FC for three years from 2020 to 2023. During this period, many players from the Hyderabad team joined the Indian team.

In the 2021-22 season, Hyderabad was made the ISL champions. Later, he became the coach of Goa FC.

He replaced Stimac as the coach of the Indian team in July 2024. In eight matches, India won only one match under Manolo. Three losses and four draws.