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News18
3 days ago
- Business
- News18
Manolo Marquez To Continue As FC Goa Head Coach For 2025-26 Season
Last Updated: Manolo Marquez will stay as FC Goa head coach for the 2025-26 season. Since joining in 2023, he has led the team to success and aims to advance in Indian and Asian football. FC Goa announced that Manolo Marquez will remain as head coach for the 2025-26 season. After guiding the Gaurs through two successful campaigns, the Spanish tactician will stay on for a third season. 'I am very satisfied to join FC Goa for a third season. I was very happy during the previous two seasons, where the team showed consistent improvement each year. The level of organisation that the club operates with is not commonly observed in Indian club football, making FC Goa a very special club," Manolo Marquez said when speaking of his return to Goa. 'It was clear for me that if I were to continue in India, it had to be with FC Goa," he added. Marquez, who initially signed for the club in 2023 on a two-year deal, has become the longest-serving head coach of the Gaurs, with a campaign spanning 62 matches across all competitions. He begins his third season with ambitions to not only advance the club in Indian football but also in Asian football, following the victory in the Super Sup last season. His first assignment will be leading the club in the preliminary stage of the AFC Champions League 2, against the Omani Professional League team, Al-Seeb Club, at Fatorda on 13th August. Regarding Marquez's extension, FC Goa's CEO, Ravi Puskur, said, 'When the opportunity arose to bring Manolo back, it was one of the most straightforward decisions we've had to make at the club. Over the past two seasons, he has not only delivered results but done so with a clear identity and a deep commitment to improving the group as a whole." Leading FC Goa to two consecutive semi-final appearances in the ISL, Marquez's record includes four consecutive playoff appearances in top-tier Indian Football, reflecting his tactical brilliance. He has a unique ability to identify young talent and develop players into valuable assets for the club, bringing to the forefront players who have since gained significant acclaim in Indian football. Puskur added, 'Manolo's ability to bring out the best in players — individually and collectively — along with his sincerity, work ethic, and clarity of purpose, align perfectly with the values we hold at FC Goa. In an environment where continuity and consistency are often hard to come by, Manolo represents both. 'His desire to win matches the right way, while developing talent and instilling belief in the squad, made this decision an easy one. We are delighted to welcome him back and look forward to building on the strong foundation he helped lay." he further remarked on Marquez distinctly paving the path for a winning philosophy at the club. Marquez remains steadfast despite the challenge of certain key players exiting the club. 'I hope that in the next season the team will again be very competitive. We have almost twenty players continuing with us from the previous season, a rare number in the current footballing world. The new faces will of course have certain adjustments to make as we cannot change what worked for us. The hope always remains that we will fight well and that the crowd will be proud of this team," he said. What Will Be Manolo Marquez'S First Game Back As FC Goa Boss? Currently, Marquez is focused on the opportunity for the club to excel on the international stage, stating, 'It is obviously not a usual pre-season for us. Generally, you get about six to eight weeks of training before you arrive at the first ISL game in good conditions, having played multiple domestic competitions already. We are in a special situation, but a great one for us at the club where we also have the AFC match to look forward to. It will be a difficult game against Al-Seeb, but we are of course ready to play against them and the target will be to be there with our best foot forward." top videos View all Joining Marquez in his coaching staff this year are two new members — Spaniards Marc Gamon as the Goalkeeping coach, and David Ramos as the Strength & Conditioning coach — following the departure of Asier Ray Santin and Jose Carlos Barroso. Gamon completed a two-year stint with Belgian club KMSK Deinze and reunited with Marquez last year. For the 2024-25 season, Gamon was Marquez's goalkeeping coach for the Blue Tigers. They previously worked together at Hyderabad FC in the 2020-21 season. Ramos, new to Indian football, brings experience from coaching clubs in Spain and China. The rest of his coaching staff, including Assistant Coaches Benito Montalvo and Gouramangi Singh Moirangthem, continue their roles at the club. In a state where football is cherished, Coach Marquez has built a deep sense of trust within the Goan community. Marquez appreciates the relationship the fans share with FC Goa and credits them with being a motivational factor behind some significant wins for the Men in Orange. My connection with the fans has gotten better every season. The fans have been loyal even when the team went through some hard times. Their support towards the club is very big for us, and we would hope for it to continue this year for all our games." he said. About the Author Ritayan Basu Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket content, More News18 Sports brings you the latest updates, live commentary, and highlights from cricket, football, tennis, badmintion, wwe and more. Catch breaking news, live scores, and in-depth coverage. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : fc goa indian football Manolo Marquez view comments Location : Goa, India, India First Published: July 18, 2025, 18:03 IST News sports » football Manolo Marquez To Continue As FC Goa Head Coach For 2025-26 Season Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
NDTV
3 days ago
- Sport
- NDTV
After Stepping Down As India Head Coach, Manolo Marquez To Helm FC Goa In Coming Season
After stepping down as Indian men's football team head coach earlier this month, Spaniard Manolo Marquez on Friday re-joined FC Goa to helm the club for the 2025-26 season. FC Goa announced that Marquez has signed to continue as the head coach for the upcoming season, his third at the club. "No one forgets the Don and the Don never forgets home. Welcome Back Boss," FC Goa posted on their social media handle. "I was very happy during the previous two seasons, where the team showed consistent improvement each year. The level of organisation that the club operates with is not commonly observed in Indian club football, making FC Goa a very special club," Marquez said of his return in a club statement. "It was clear for me that if I were to continue in India, it had to be with FC Goa," he added. The Indian Super League, the country's top-tier competition is, however, on "hold" due to the uncertainty over the issue of the renewal of the Master Rights Agreement -- to expire on December 8 -- between the AIFF and the organisers Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL). Marquez resigned from his national role on July 2 after reaching a "mutual agreement" with the All India Football Federation (AIFF), which was under pressure to fix accountability for the recent downward spiral of the national team. The 56-year-old was appointed as India head coach in June 2024 for a two-year tenure. He worked in a dual role last year, also guiding FC Goa in the 2024-25 ISL season. India lost 0-1 to lower-ranked Hong Kong in an away match of the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers on June 10, which left the country in danger of missing out on qualifying for the continental showpiece in 2027. India logged just one win from their last eight matches under Marquez's tutelage, the lone victory coming against Maldives in March. Marquez was initially signed for FC Goa in 2023 on a two-year deal, and since has become the longest serving head coach of the Gaurs, with a campaign spanning 62 matches across all competitions. He will begin his third season at FC Goa with a desire to maintain a successful record, not only taking the club further in Indian football, but Asian football as well, thanks to the win in the Kalinga Super Sup last season. To begin with, he will be leading the club in the preliminary stage of the AFC Champions League 2, against Omani Professional League team, Al-Seeb Club, where FC Goa will play host at Fatorda on August 13. "Some stories did not mean to this is unfinished business. I am coming home to finish what we started," the Spaniard said. "It is obviously not a usual pre-season for us. Generally, you get about six to eight weeks of training before you arrive at the first ISL game in good conditions, having played multiple domestic competitions already," Marquez said. "We are in a special situation, but a great one for us at the club where we also have the AFC match to look forward to. It will be a difficult game against Al-Seeb, but we are, of course, ready to play against them and the target will be to be there with our best foot forward." On Marquez's re-joining of FC Goa, club CEO Ravi Puskur said, "When the opportunity arose to bring Manolo back, it was one of the most straightforward decisions we've had to make at the club. Over the past two seasons, he has not only delivered results but done so with a clear identity and a deep commitment to improving the group as a whole." This year, joining Marquez in his coaching staff are two new members -- Spaniards Marc Gamon as goalkeeping coach, and David Ramos as the Strength & Conditioning coach -- following the departure of Asier Ray Santin and Jose Carlos Barroso. Gamon finished a two-year stint with Belgian club KMSK Deinze and reunited with Marquez last year. For the 2024-25 season, Gamon was Marquez's goalkeeping coach for the Blue Tigers. They worked together again after coaching Hyderabad FC in the 2020-21 season. Ramos, new to Indian football, comes with the experience of coaching clubs in Spain and China. The rest of his coaching staff, including assistant coaches Benito Montalvo and Gouramangi Singh Moirangthem, continue their roles at the club.
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Business Standard
3 days ago
- Sport
- Business Standard
Manolo Marquez to continue with FC Goa after stepping down as India coach
FC Goa announced that Marquez has signed to continue as the head coach for the upcoming season, his third at the club. Press Trust of India New Delhi After stepping down as Indian men's football team head coach earlier this month, Spaniard Manolo Marquez on Friday re-joined FC Goa to helm the club for the 2025-26 season. FC Goa announced that Marquez has signed to continue as the head coach for the upcoming season, his third at the club. "No one forgets the Don and the Don never forgets home. Welcome Back Boss," FC Goa posted on their social media handle. I was very happy during the previous two seasons, where the team showed consistent improvement each year. The level of organisation that the club operates with is not commonly observed in Indian club football, making FC Goa a very special club, Marquez said of his return in a club statement. It was clear for me that if I were to continue in India, it had to be with FC Goa, he added. The Indian Super League, the country's top-tier competition is, however, on "hold" due to the uncertainty over the issue of the renewal of the Master Rights Agreement -- to expire on December 8 -- between the AIFF and the organisers Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL). Marquez resigned from his national role on July 2 after reaching a "mutual agreement" with the All India Football Federation (AIFF), which was under pressure to fix accountability for the recent downward spiral of the national team. The 56-year-old was appointed as India head coach in June 2024 for a two-year tenure. He worked in a dual role last year, also guiding FC Goa in the 2024-25 ISL season. India lost 0-1 to lower-ranked Hong Kong in an away match of the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers on June 10, which left the country in danger of missing out on qualifying for the continental showpiece in 2027. India logged just one win from their last eight matches under Marquez's tutelage, the lone victory coming against Maldives in March. Marquez was initially signed for FC Goa in 2023 on a two-year deal, and since has become the longest serving head coach of the Gaurs, with a campaign spanning 62 matches across all competitions. He will begin his third season at FC Goa with a desire to maintain a successful record, not only taking the club further in Indian football, but Asian football as well, thanks to the win in the Kalinga Super Sup last season. To begin with, he will be leading the club in the preliminary stage of the AFC Champions League 2, against Omani Professional League team, Al-Seeb Club, where FC Goa will play host at Fatorda on August 13. "Some stories did not mean to this is unfinished business. I am coming home to finish what we started," the Spaniard said. It is obviously not a usual pre-season for us. Generally, you get about six to eight weeks of training before you arrive at the first ISL game in good conditions, having played multiple domestic competitions already," Marquez said. "We are in a special situation, but a great one for us at the club where we also have the AFC match to look forward to. It will be a difficult game against Al-Seeb, but we are, of course, ready to play against them and the target will be to be there with our best foot forward. On Marquez's re-joining of FC Goa, club CEO Ravi Puskur said, When the opportunity arose to bring Manolo back, it was one of the most straightforward decisions we've had to make at the club. Over the past two seasons, he has not only delivered results but done so with a clear identity and a deep commitment to improving the group as a whole. This year, joining Marquez in his coaching staff are two new members -- Spaniards Marc Gamon as goalkeeping coach, and David Ramos as the Strength & Conditioning coach -- following the departure of Asier Ray Santin and Jose Carlos Barroso. Gamon finished a two-year stint with Belgian club KMSK Deinze and reunited with Marquez last year. For the 2024-25 season, Gamon was Marquez's goalkeeping coach for the Blue Tigers. They worked together again after coaching Hyderabad FC in the 2020-21 season. Ramos, new to Indian football, comes with the experience of coaching clubs in Spain and China. The rest of his coaching staff, including assistant coaches Benito Montalvo and Gouramangi Singh Moirangthem, continue their roles at the club.
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Sport
- Indian Express
Former India coach Manolo Marquez returns to FC Goa for 2025/26 season
Former India football team coach Manolo Marquez rejoined Indian Super League side FC Goa and will be at the helm for the 2025-26 season, the club announced on Friday. FC Goa announced that Marquez has signed to continue as the head coach for the upcoming season, his third at the club. 'No one forgets the Don and the Don never forgets home. Welcome Back Boss,' FC Goa posted on their social media handle. Marquez resigned from his national role on July 2 after reaching a 'mutual agreement' with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) earlier this month after a disastrous stint as the Blue Tigers' coach. Under him, the Indian team had just one win from their last 8 matches with the victory coming against Maldives back in March. In 2025, they have played 4, lost 2, won 1 and drawn 1. The results were so poor that India had to bring back their iconic striker Sunil Chhetri from his 2024 retirement but that has done little to change their fortunes. Don Márquez is back! 💪 Our Spanish tactician has renewed his contract with the club for the 2025–26 season. There's unfinished business and we're ready to take it on! 🦬 Read the full story on our website: — FC Goa (@FCGoaOfficial) July 18, 2025 This led to the team recording their worst ranking in 9 years when they dropped to 133 in the latest FIFA rankings. The 56-year-old was appointed as India head coach in June 2024 for a two-year tenure. He worked in a dual role last year, also guiding FC Goa in the 2024-25 ISL season. 'I was very happy during the previous two seasons, where the team showed consistent improvement each year. The level of organisation that the club operates with is not commonly observed in Indian club football, making FC Goa a very special club. It was clear for me that if I were to continue in India, it had to be with FC Goa,' Marquez said. The Spaniard had signed for goa back in 2023 and has since become the longest serving head coach of the Gaurs, with a campaign spanning 62 matches across all competitions. Meanwhile, The ISL is currently on 'hold' due to the uncertainty over the issue of the renewal of the Master Rights Agreement — to expire on December 8 — between the AIFF and the organisers Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL).
India Today
4 days ago
- Sport
- India Today
Manolo Marquez returns as FC Goa head coach after disastrous India stint
Manolo Marquez has rejoined FC Goa as head coach, weeks after parting ways with the Indian men's national team following a disappointing Spanish tactician was unveiled by FC Goa through a social media video on Thursday, confirming his return to the club ahead of the 2025–26 season. For many, this was the most logical move, especially after his brief and underwhelming stint with the national side came to an early one forgets the Don and the Don never forgets home. Welcome Back BossCatch all the #ISL action on @JioHotstar: FC Goa (@FCGoaOfficial) July 18, 2025advertisementMarquez was appointed India head coach in June 2024 but lasted only eight matches in charge. During that time, India picked up just one win—a 3-0 friendly victory over Maldives in March. Results elsewhere were poor, including a 0-0 draw with Bangladesh and a 1-0 loss to Hong Kong China in a crucial AFC Asian Cup Qualifier in June. Following the defeat to Hong Kong China, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) held talks with Marquez. Acting general secretary M. Satyanarayanan later confirmed that both parties had 'mutually agreed' to part the outset, Marquez's dual role raised questions. He continued managing FC Goa while taking charge of the national team until the end of last season, and the lack of focused time with the Indian squad was seen as a key factor behind the team's lack of cohesion and attacking with FC Goa, Marquez now returns to familiar ground, hoping to get back on track. He has already joined the squad in pre-season training as the club prepares for the upcoming Durand Cup there is a twist. The Indian Super League itself is on temporary hold, after a Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) decision ruled in favour of Delhi FC in their appeal for ISL entry based on sporting merit. With the league structure under review, FC Goa and other ISL clubs are awaiting further clarity on the future of India's top-tier now, the focus shifts to the Durand Cup, where Marquez will look to start fresh and leave the struggles of his India tenure behind.- Ends
