Embrace Challenges Abroad, advises New Head Coach Manolo Marquez to Indian Footballers

The Indian men's football team is gearing up for a fresh start under the leadership of Spanish coach Manolo Marquez, who has been appointed as the new head coach of the nation. Taking on a dual role, Manolo will not only be leading the national team but will also continue to coach club side FC Goa. In his early days on the job, Manolo has emphasized the need for a shift in mentality among Indian players. He has stressed the importance of pushing themselves out of their comfort zones by seeking opportunities to improve their skills abroad, rather than remaining confined to playing in India. This focus on growth and development could be the key to ushering in a new era of success for Indian football.

With qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup out of the question, Manolo targeted improvement in the level of the players. Speaking to the media for the first time since his appointment as India head coach, Manolo made a valuable recommendation to the Indian players.

"The level of Indian players can be better and can improve faster. Everyone knows my feeling - maybe some players don't like - that they are very comfortable playing in the Indian Super League (ISL). They are very comfortable in India," said Manolo.

"You will grow when you play abroad. I'm not saying the top level, like the Premier League or La Liga. If you play in one division where the opponents are the same or better than you, you will improve 100 per cent," he added.

Manolo sympathised with the need for comfort for his players, pointing out the example of FC Goa defender Sandesh Jhingan, who had spent an unsuccessful year abroad at Croatian club HNK Sibenik in the 2021-22 season.

"I understand that life is very good for most of them in ISL and it's difficult for them to go abroad. For example, Sandesh tried to do it in Croatia," he said.

Manolo put a lot of emphasis on increasing mental strength.

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"In football, technique, tactics and physique is very important. But if this doesn't work (points to head), you cannot do anything, not only in football, but also your life," Manolo stated.

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The Indian men's football team next play on September 9, 2024, in a friendly against Syria.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)