A year ago, India’s aspirations of advancing to the third round of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers suffered a massive blow following a lackluster draw against Kuwait and a narrow loss to Qatar. The uninspired performances resulted in the dismissal of head coach Igor Stimac. Stepping into his shoes was Manolo Marquez, a name synonymous with success in Indian domestic football, particularly during his stints with Hyderabad FC and FC Goa.
Despite the optimism surrounding his appointment, Marquez’s tenure has been anything but inspiring. In seven matches under his guidance, India has yet to deliver a commanding performance or secure a significant result. The 2-0 loss to Thailand, ranked 99th in the FIFA rankings, on Wednesday served as yet another grim reminder of the national team’s downward trajectory.
Errors and Missed Opportunities Define the Match
At the Thammasat Stadium, India’s hopes were dashed by a combination of woeful finishing and defensive lapses. Goals from Benjamin Davis in the 8th minute and Poramet Arjvilai in the 59th sealed a well-deserved victory for Thailand. Despite starting their training camp on May 19, India appeared disjointed and devoid of ideas, particularly in the attacking third. In stark contrast, Thailand managed to outplay India despite having just two days of preparation following the conclusion of their domestic league.
The irony was palpable. Five years ago, India had convincingly defeated Thailand twice, including a resounding 4-1 win in the AFC Asian Cup 2019. However, the tables have turned dramatically. Thailand’s squad, despite minimal preparation, outclassed and outsmarted India effortlessly, raising serious questions about the direction of the Blue Tigers.
Marquez’s Honest Assessment Raises Eyebrows
Post-match, Marquez didn’t mince words. “The reality is that when you don’t score, especially the clear chances that we had, usually you lose the game,” he conceded. “Thailand has very good players, and if you don’t take your chances against them, it will be difficult.”
While acknowledging the team’s shortcomings, Marquez emphasized the need for self-criticism. “You can always perform better than you did previously. There is no improvement without self-criticism. I feel that we can obviously play better, but physicality is one aspect that we miss out on in Indian football.”
However, such statements may no longer hold weight with fans and stakeholders, especially in the absence of tangible results and tactical clarity.
Is Marquez on His Way Out?
Reports suggesting that Marquez is set to leave the national team to continue his tenure with FC Goa have cast doubt on his commitment to the Indian cause. While his intention to instill a distinct footballing philosophy is commendable, the lack of progress on the pitch has been glaring. This experiment appears to have backfired, costing Indian football precious time during a critical phase.
Many argue that if Marquez was uncertain about his long-term role with India, he should have declined the position altogether. Indian football is in no position for prolonged experiments. The team needed stability and results—neither of which have been achieved under the Spaniard’s leadership.
Team Selection Under Fire
Marquez’s team selection for the Thailand friendly raised more than a few eyebrows. The exclusion of Anirudh Thapa and Sahal Abdul Samad, two stalwarts of India’s midfield, was met with widespread criticism.
Marquez’s decision to deploy Ashique Kuruniyan in the No. 10 role, traditionally reserved for creative midfielders like Sahal or Brandon Fernandes, left many baffled. Ashique struggled to make an impact in the center of the park, further highlighting the questionable tactical choice.
Similarly, Thapa, a regular under previous regimes, has inexplicably fallen out of favor. Marquez’s preference for certain players has yet to be justified on the pitch, where performances have been far from convincing.
Neighboring Nations Forge Ahead
While India stagnates, neighboring Bangladesh seems to be experiencing a footballing renaissance. The inclusion of former Leicester City midfielder Hamza Choudhury in the Bangladesh squad has sparked excitement. Other overseas-based players like Shamit Shome (Canada) and Sunderland’s Mitchell Cuba are reportedly keen to follow suit.
In contrast, India continues to delay discussions around the inclusion of OCI (Overseas Citizens of India) or PIO (Persons of Indian Origin) players, a move that could potentially enhance the national team’s talent pool.
The Road Ahead
India’s next challenge is a pivotal AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifier against Hong Kong on June 10. Hong Kong, who recently lost 3-1 to Manchester United in an exhibition match, cannot be underestimated.
With Sunil Chhetri potentially playing his final few matches in the national jersey, there is an urgent need to deliver—not just for qualification but to reignite the belief of Indian football fans.
The era of experimentation must end. Indian football demands clarity, accountability, and direction. Whether Manolo Marquez is the man to provide that or whether his impending departure marks the start of another rebuild remains to be seen.
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