Panaji
FC Goa's head coach, Manolo Marquez, recently provided valuable insights into his experiences in Indian football and FC Goa's journey during a recent interview. With four years of experience in India, including three with Hyderabad FC and now one with FC Goa, Marquez offered a unique perspective on the country's football landscape.
Expressing his admiration for India's diverse culture, Marquez acknowledged the varying sporting preferences across different states. He highlighted cricket's dominance in some regions while noting football's greater significance in others, such as the north east states. He stressed the importance of both cricket and football coexisting harmoniously in India's sporting culture. He expressed his fondness for India's diverse states, each resembling different countries, fostering diverse sporting passions.
However, Marquez also addressed challenges facing football in India, particularly concerning stadium attendance. He expressed concern over the decline in stadium attendance, comparing it to the pre-COVID era when more fans filled the stands. Marquez stressed the need to revitalise stadium attendance for the growth of Indian football.
Furthermore, Marquez criticised restrictions preventing Indian teams from participating in the top-tier Asian Champions League, labeling it as unfair. He favoured Indian teams' inclusion in the main competition to foster the growth of Indian football on the continental stage.
Delving into the intricacies of the Indian Super League (ISL), Marquez acknowledged its significance as the face of Indian football globally. However, he emphasised the necessity of prioritising grassroots development across all states to nurture young talent effectively.
Reflecting on FC Goa's performance in the ISL, Marquez commended the team's resilience and determination. He highlighted instances where FC Goa overcame odds, such as defeating Mumbai City FC, despite initial doubts about their playoff chances. Marquez underscored the competitive nature of ISL games, where even matches against lower-ranked teams pose challenges.
Looking ahead, Marquez acknowledged the formidable competition posed by Hyderabad FC in their upcoming fixture. He praised Hyderabad FC's defensive strength and their ability to challenge opponents effectively. Marquez emphasised the importance of FC Goa delivering a top-notch performance to secure victory against Hyderabad FC.
Once again, Marquez reiterated his commitment to FC Goa and Indian football, indicating his desire to witness growth and success in both realms. He stressed the need for continued efforts in grassroots development, increased stadium attendance, and fair opportunities for Indian teams in continental competitions to propel Indian football to greater heights.
