Right now, I don't see a clear future for myself in India: Manolo Marquez

Panaji: Manolo Marquez paused for a while, trying to choose the right words.

The experienced FC Goa coach was asked about his thoughts on the season, regardless of what transpires against Kerala Blasters FC in the concluding match of the Indian Super League (ISL) away on Monday. His side is mid-table, placed seventh, and even though a win could take them among the top three, there could be another slide when the league concludes.

“For me, a successful season,” Manolo told TOI during the pre-match media interaction. “Our first target was to beat Al Seeb (in the playoff) and qualify for the group stage of ACL. We had zero points in the ACL, but except against Al Nassr in Riyadh and in Tajikistan (against FC Istiklol), we were competitive in all matches. I think we deserved some points.

“Our next target was to qualify again for Asian competitions which we did by winning the Super Cup. I have kept saying that Goa should play (in such continental competitions) every single year, because the level increases. It’s the reality you cannot deny.

Goa were in the hunt for the ISL title but got left behind after losses against Bengaluru FC at home and Jamshedur away. With just two foreigners, Manolo’s side never really appeared serious, and the coach himself has been critical of the competition this season.

“Everyone knows what’s happening. There are teams with no foreigners, some with one, some with two, others with full quota (of six) and one with a world record of (signing/discarding) 15 foreigners in one season. We had four of our foreigners leave (before the league). I know we lost two games, but this team is very difficult to beat. I am very, very satisfied and proud to be coach of this team, and of this club, which is the best in India,” said Manolo.

When Manolo landed in India during the Covid-19 pandemic and saw the chaos all around, he wondered if he’d survive for a week. It’s been six seasons now; his longest stint outside his home country, one where he has won the ISL trophy with Hyderabad and two Super Cups with Goa.

He also had the chance to manage the national team, a dream job that later turned into a nightmare.

Just like the 150-odd players in the top tier of Indian football, Manolo too will be left without a contract at the end of the month. His availability will alert other clubs, but the former India coach isn’t sure if he can afford to wait till there’s clarity on the next season.

“I don’t want to say an outright no because anything can happen at the last moment, but right now if you ask me, I don't see a clear future for myself in India,” said Manolo, who turned down offers from Indonesia and Greece in January to continue with Goa. “In less than two weeks, so many players will be without contracts. It’s a big problem. You had more than enough time (to resolve the issues), but if you only think egoistically, it’s difficult for India to move in the right direction.”


Manolo has been critical of the administration overseeing Indian football. He’s been vocal, even serving a one-match suspension after pointing out how the ISL was a “disaster of a competition”. He termed officials who censored his comments during a pre-match media interaction in Jamshedpur as “dictators.”

“I am from another culture, from another country, where I can say whatever I want. Here, it doesn’t look like this. I feel here, people in football, journalists, don’t speak clearly about the situation (regarding Indian football). The situation is a complete disaster. For example, FC Goa or the team that wins the ISL will play a very important game (ACL2 playoff) in less than three months. In less than two months, you must start pre-season, but nobody knows what will happen.

“Now they said there is a meeting (to decide on the commercial partner) on May 22. Then there will be more meetings on May 30, then June perhaps (there will be more meetings). It’s a pity. Everyone thinks we can naturalise players like Ryan Williams (and start winning), but that’s not the solution. The solution is to start from the grassroots. You have to practically start from zero,” said Manolo.

Goa face Kerala Blasters at the Nehru Stadium in Kochi on Monday. It will be the final game for both teams this season. If there’s no clarity on the season ahead, it could also be the last time Manolo is managing a team in India.