Panaji: FC Goa have begun their search for a new head coach after realizing that convincing Manolo Marquez to stay for another season was an improbable task. In the last 48 hours, the club has conducted interviews with at least two potential candidates.
Manolo Marquez's Legacy
Manolo, who also managed the Indian national team during his tenure with FC Goa, is the club's most successful coach. He won the Super Cup in successive seasons and also secured the Bandodkar Memorial Trophy, which featured participation from two teams from Argentina and Australia. The Spaniard initially signed for the club in 2023 on a two-year deal and became the longest-serving coach, managing 87 matches. His campaign included several notable moments, such as a club record of 45 points in the 2023-24 season and just 10 losses over three years.
Contract Talks Fail
This season, both parties were keen on extending their partnership, and talks were held. However, Goa's reduced budget for the season meant they could not reach an agreement on salary and guarantee heavy spending on the squad. Currently, 16 first-team players are out of contract.
The club confirmed on Thursday that they have parted ways with the experienced Spanish coach, describing him as someone who “fought fiercely for the badge” and left behind a legacy that will inspire the next chapter of Goan football.
“Manolo leaves with our deepest gratitude, and he will always have a home in FC Goa,” CEO Ravi Puskur told TOI on Thursday. “He built teams that reflected who he is: honest, committed and full of character. We could not have asked for more from him. Manolo didn’t just build good football teams at FC Goa; he built a place where people enjoyed working, where they felt respected, and where everyone wanted to give more.”
As director of football and then CEO, Puskur got along well with Manolo and ranked him among the best coaches he has worked with at the club. “Everything we say will fall short of the admiration, affection and respect we have for him,” said Puskur.
Search for Replacement
With Manolo now no longer an option, Goa have moved quickly to find a replacement. According to sources, interviews have been conducted with two potential replacements, both with experience of the Indian football ecosystem. The names of those interviewed are being protected until a final decision is taken, possibly early next week.
“We are assessing our options as all our efforts were focussed on retaining Manolo,” said Puskur. “Within a week, we hope to have a new coach in place, so we can go about planning for the season ahead.”
Goa need to return to pre-season before most teams since they will feature in the AFC Champions League Two playoff against FK Arkadag in Turkmenistan on August 12. The winner will qualify for the group stage of ACL 2, while the losing side will have to settle for a spot in the AFC Challenge League, the third tier of Asian football’s club competition.
