Unrealistic to expect wins without scoring goals, says AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is expected to start the hunt for a new coach once its Technical Committee and Executive Committee approves mutual termination of Manolo Marquez's contract at its meeting on June 29.
Manolo, who took over as full-time coach only on June 1 after a dual role shared with FC Goa, has informed the federation that he does not want to continue with national team duties. According to sources, the contract can be terminated only if both parties agree.
'We have an Executive Committee meeting on June 29, where we will take a call (on Manolo's future),' AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey told reporters in the Capital on Friday.
'Manolo Marquez is one of the longest serving foreign coaches in Indian football. Over the years, he has managed multiple clubs and won trophies, including ISL trophy and Super Cup. Compared to others, his understanding of Indian football, including strengths, weakness of Indians, as well as opportunities and challenges within the Indian ecosystem is better.
'
Under Manolo, India have won just once – against lowly Maldives at home – in eight matches but even more worryingly, failed to score in the last three matches.
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This includes a home draw against Bangladesh and away defeats to Thailand and Hong Kong. Goal-scoring has been a consistent problem and reflects in the mere seven goals that the team has scored in 15 matches since January 2024.
India have also not won a competitive game since November 2023.
'It is unrealistic to expect wins without scoring goals. There has been a steady decline in goals being scored from 1.64 (in 2015) to 0.75 currently.
While we appreciate Sunil Chhetri's efforts at 40, as a nation, we also need to ensure there's supply of more forwards in a systematic manner. It's difficult for a player who has played the supporting role in the club for 11 months, to shift to the number nine role (for international matches).
We don't have positive strikers in the last 10 years,' said Chaubey.
Only Chhetri, India's highest goalscorer, has been a constant feature in the starting lineups of the last four national team coaches: Bob Houghton, Stephen Constantine, Igor Stimac and Manolo Marquez.
The AIFF is hoping it can solve the striking woes and overcome India's wretched run of form, with the inclusion of OCI players. Chaubey said his office has contacted 33 footballers from across the world, some of whom already have the Overseas Citizen of India card, while others are being assisted by the federation.
'Several countries ranked below India in FIFA ranking have adopted the policy of allowing naturalised players,' said Chaubey.
'This strategic move has contributed to their positive performances and better global standing. AIFF has proactively initiated communication with relevant departments regarding inclusion of OCI players. The initial response has been encouraging but we are fully aware that such changes do not happen overnight.
'Like all sports federations (in India), AIFF is committed to aligning with the laws of the land. Under FIFA's framework and regulations, we are also actively exploring the possibility of securing approval for the inclusion of OCI players.'
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