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Business Standard
17 hours ago
- Sport
- Business Standard
India football coach announcement on Aug 1; here are top contenders
Indian football is poised for a crucial turning point as the All India Football Federation (AIFF) prepares to announce its new men's head coach on August 1, 2025. This high-stakes decision comes at a time when the national team is searching for a revival after recent setbacks and sliding rankings. With major Asian qualifiers around the corner and fans eager for fresh direction, the appointment has drawn attention not just for the names involved but for what it could mean for the immediate future of Indian football. The AIFF's executive committee is set to make a call from a shortlist featuring both established local faces and experienced international names, reflecting a spirited search for leadership that blends technical acumen with cultural understanding. Who will lead Indian football? The AIFF's executive committee is meeting on August 1 with a single focus: appointing the next head coach for the men's senior national team. The decision comes after Spaniard Manolo Marquez parted ways with the team following a disappointing campaign and a drop to 132 in the FIFA rankings. With time ticking toward the September FIFA international window and crucial Asian Cup qualifiers in October, the need for stability and inspiration at the helm has never felt more urgent. The front-runners: Homegrown talent and familiar faces Topping the official shortlist is Khalid Jamil, the Jamshedpur FC coach widely regarded for his historic I-League title win with Aizawl FC and his deep connections with Indian football at every level. Jamil, named AIFF Coach of the Year for two consecutive seasons, is known for his pragmatic approach and an ability to maximise results under tight budgets. His understanding of local players and the broader Indian football ecosystem is seen as a major asset, especially at a time when the AIFF faces financial constraints—making his appointment a practical, yet ambitious, choice. Stephen Constantine, another strong candidate, brings significant international pedigree and a deep sense of familiarity, having led India in two separate stints, guiding them to AFC Asian Cup qualification and SAFF Championships. Constantine's calm authority and experience navigating South Asian football's unique challenges could offer much-needed continuity and confidence as India prepares for a rebuilding phase. The third name under serious consideration is Stefan Tarkovic, former Slovakia and Kyrgyzstan national coach, rounding out a shortlist that balances homegrown promise with global experience. Tarkovic's international exposure and track record in Asian football add intrigue, though he is perceived as more of a wildcard compared to Jamil and Constantine. What's at stake: Beyond a name This coaching appointment is not just about who stands on the touchline. The AIFF has made it clear that building synergy with local players, understanding Indian football's unique challenges, and managing relationships with the media, stakeholders, and fans are all critical factors in their decision. With the national team currently struggling and key qualifiers on the horizon, the new coach will need to blend tactical innovation with a strong local connection, and hit the ground running. The road ahead India's football faithful now wait with bated breath as August 1 approaches. Whether the AIFF chooses the steady hand of a proven local in Jamil, the international know-how of Constantine, or takes a calculated gamble with Tarkovic, its decision will shape not just immediate fortunes but also set the tone for a new era in Indian football. One thing is clear: the stakes have never been higher, and the opportunity for real transformation is firmly within reach.
News18
6 days ago
- Sport
- News18
AIFF To Reveal New Head Coach For Indian Men's Football Team On August 1: Report
Last Updated: The AIFF is set to announce the new head coach for the Indian men's national football team on August 1. The shortlisted candidates are Constantine, Tarkovic, and Jamil. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is expected to announce the next head coach of the Indian men's national football team on August 1, as per reports. According to Sportstar, the resumes of the three shortlisted candidates have been forwarded to the AIFF Executive Committee, which has scheduled an emergency meeting for next Friday. The sole agenda of the meeting will be to finalize and confirm the new head coach. The Indian men's team has been without a head coach since July 2, following the mutual departure of Manolo Márquez after a one-year tenure, during which the team failed to win a competitive match. Selection Process Underway After the coaching position became vacant, the AIFF opened applications with a submission deadline of July 13. The response was overwhelming, drawing 170 applications from across the globe. With the FIFA international window approaching in September, and crucial AFC Asian Cup qualifiers against Singapore scheduled for October 9 and 14, the AIFF is facing pressure to expedite the appointment process. The Executive Committee retains the authority to request additional candidates or seek further clarification before making a final decision. The AIFF's technical committee then shortlisted three candidates: experienced Anglo-Cypriot Stephen Constantine, Slovakian coach Stefan Tarkovic, and Indian tactician Khalid Jamil. All three are now being considered for the head coach position. Former India international Renedy Singh was also under initial consideration, but according to sources within the AIFF, the current assistant coach of Bengaluru FC was not included in the final shortlist. His name was instead discussed for the assistant coach role, a decision the committee decided should be made in consultation with the incoming head coach. Among the three finalists, Khalid Jamil is reportedly emerging as the leading contender. Crucial Fixtures Ahead India currently sits at the bottom of Group C in the third round of AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, following a draw against Bangladesh and a defeat to Hong Kong. Their next fixture is a home match against group leaders Singapore on October 9. view comments First Published: July 25, 2025, 18:07 IST 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.
India Today
23-07-2025
- Sport
- India Today
Khalid Jamil, Stephen Constantine shortlisted for Indian football team coach role
Khalid Jamil and Stephen Constantine were among the candidates who made it to the All India Football Federation's (AIFF) shortlist for the India men's football team coach role, the governing body announced on Wednesday, July 23. Jamil and Constantine are joined in the three-man list by former Slovakia and Kyrgyzstan head coach Stefan Tarkovic. The Indian men's football team head coach role has been vacant since Manolo Marquez and AIFF decided to part ways after a disastrous tenure. The AIFF put out a statement on their official website and announced that the Technical Committee met virtually on Wednesday to shortlist the applicants for the role. advertisementThe committee reviewed 170 applications and then narrowed it down to Jamil, Constantine and Tarkovic. The final call on the appointment will be made by the Exceutive Committee after reviewing the resumes of all three men. "The All India Football Federation's Technical Committee (TC) met virtually on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, to shortlist the applicants for the Senior Men's Indian Football Team head coach role. The TC carefully reviewed 170 applications received earlier this month and narrowed it down to three candidates – Khalid Jamil, Stephen Constantine, and tefan Tarkovi.""The TC has recommended the resumes of the three shortlisted candidates to the Executive Committee, which will take the final call on who the next Blue Tigers head coach will be," read the statement from AIFF. Jamil made a name for himself with Aizawl FC in 2017, when he guided the team from the second division to I-League success. He then went on to work with Northeast United FC and Jamshedpur FC in the Indian Super League, and guided both the teams to the semi-finals. Jamil also helped Jamshedpur FC reach the final of the Super Cup last season. Constantine is no stranger to Indian football as he has been India's head coach in two different spells - 2002 to 2005 and 2015-2019. Under Constantine, India had gone from 173 to inside 100 in the FIFA Rankings and helped India qualify for the AFC Asian Cup 2019. Tarkovic is known for helping Kyrgyzstan to the AFC Asian Cup 2027 before stepping down in June this year. - Ends
Hindustan Times
23-07-2025
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Jamil, Constantine in AIFF's final shortlist
Kolkata: Khalid Jamil and Stephen Constantine are in the final shortlist for the post of the head coach of the men's national football team. Also in the list are former Kyrgyzstan head coach Stefan Tarkovic and Bengaluru FC assistant-coach Renedy Singh. Khalid Jamil is one of the names in the final shortlist for the post of the head coach of the men's national football team. (ISL) The shortlist was finalised by the technical committee of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), which met virtually on Wednesday, in consultation with Subrata Paul, the national team director, and technical director Syed Sabir Pasha. Inputs from former coaches Bimal Ghosh and Armando Colaco, who are advisors to AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey, were also sought. The shortlist will be given to the AIFF executive committee to choose Manolo Marquez's replacement. Marquez and AIFF mutually agreed to part ways after India's 0-1 defeat to Hong Kong on June 10. With India likely to use the international window in September to get ready for the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers against Singapore on October 9 and 14, it is possible that an Indian or Constantine will be a favourite. 'Renedy had a good career for club and country but Khalid's performance last season with Jamshedpur FC makes him a frontrunner,' said an AIFF official who was part of the screening process on Wednesday. 'That Khalid is an Indian coach familiar with the ecosystem gives him an advantage.' 'Constantine cannot be discounted either. He has twice been in charge of the national team and has experience of international football. I think it will be a toss-up between the two,' said the official.
News18
22-07-2025
- Sport
- News18
Robbie Fowler, Stephen Constantine Big Names In Applicants List For India Head Coach's Job
Last Updated: Robbie Fowler and Stephen Constantine have applied for the Indian men's football team head coach position, vacated by Manolo Marquez. Former Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler and former coach Stephen Constantine have applied for the position of the Indian men's football team head coach, which was vacated by Manolo Marquez earlier this month, with Indian football undergoing a massive upheaval. Constantine and Fowler are among 170 candidates who have responded to the advertisement issued by AIFF earlier this month to seek a replacement for Marquez. Fowler has also coached East Bengal from 2020-21. Constantine, 62, has been in charge of India twice before, from 2002-05 and again from 2015 to the Asian Cup in 2019. He managed East Bengal in the 2022-23 season of the Indian Super League as well. Constantine's last game with Pakistan was the 0-1 loss to Myanmar on June 10, ending a stint that started in September 2023 with one victory, one draw and eight losses. There is an international window in September, but if India skip that, their next assignment will be the Asian Cup qualifiers against Singapore on October 9 and 14. Former Australia and Liverpool forward Harry Kewell, whose last coaching assignment was with Yokohama F Marinos last year, has applied, as have at least three coaches in the recent Indian Super League, as per a report in The Hindustan Times. Jamshedpur FC coach Khalid Jamil, Sergio Lobera and Andrey Chernyshov have also applied. Lobera has won the Indian Super League double with Mumbai City and the Super Cup with FC Goa but missed out on a top-six berth last term. Jamil, 48, took Jamshedpur FC to the semis this year, where they lost 2-3 on aggregate to double winners Mohun Bagan Super Giant. 'Things changed when the senior team's job offer opened up. It is unlikely that there would be any national team player whom Khalid does not know well," the source told The Hindustan Times. Sanjoy Sen, who won the Santosh Trophy with Bengal and the I League with Mohun Bagan in 2015, is on the list as well. view comments 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.
