Panaji: Manolo Marquez paused for a moment, carefully selecting his words. The experienced FC Goa coach was asked to reflect on the season, regardless of the outcome against Kerala Blasters FC in the final Indian Super League (ISL) match away on Monday. His team sits seventh in the mid-table, and while a victory could propel them into the top three, another slide remains possible at the league's conclusion.
A Successful Season by Manolo's Standards
"For me, a successful season," Manolo told TOI during the pre-match media interaction. "Our first target was to beat Al Seeb in the playoff and qualify for the group stage of the ACL. We had zero points in the ACL, but except against Al Nassr in Riyadh and in Tajikistan against FC Istiklol, we were competitive in all matches. I think we deserved some points."
"Our next target was to qualify again for Asian competitions, which we did by winning the Super Cup. I have kept saying that Goa should play in such continental competitions every single year, because the level increases. It is a reality you cannot deny."
Challenges and Criticism
Goa were in the hunt for the ISL title but fell behind after losses to Bengaluru FC at home and Jamshedpur away. With only two foreign players, Manolo's side never seemed serious contenders, and the coach himself has been critical of the competition this season. "Everyone knows what is happening. There are teams with no foreigners, some with one, some with two, others with a full quota of six, and one with a world record of signing or discarding 15 foreigners in one season. We had four of our foreigners leave before the league. I know we lost two games, but this team is very difficult to beat. I am very, very satisfied and proud to be coach of this team, and of this club, which is the best in India," said Manolo.
Manolo's Journey in India
When Manolo landed in India during the Covid-19 pandemic and saw the chaos all around, he wondered if he would survive for a week. It has been six seasons now, his longest stint outside his home country, where he has won the ISL trophy with Hyderabad and two Super Cups with Goa. He also had the chance to manage the national team, a dream job that later turned into a nightmare.
Uncertain Future
Just like the 150-odd players in the top tier of Indian football, Manolo too will be left without a contract at the end of the month. His availability will alert other clubs, but the former India coach is not sure if he can afford to wait until there is clarity on the next season. "I do not want to say an outright no because anything can happen at the last moment, but right now if you ask me, I do not see a clear future for myself in India," said Manolo, who turned down offers from Indonesia and Greece in January to continue with Goa. "In less than two weeks, so many players will be without contracts. It is a big problem. You had more than enough time to resolve the issues, but if you only think egoistically, it is difficult for India to move in the right direction."
Criticism of Football Administration
Manolo has been critical of the administration overseeing Indian football. He has been vocal, even serving a one-match suspension after pointing out how the ISL was a "disaster of a competition." He termed officials who censored his comments during a pre-match media interaction in Jamshedpur as "dictators."
"I am from another culture, from another country, where I can say whatever I want. Here, it does not look like this. I feel here, people in football, journalists, do not speak clearly about the situation regarding Indian football. The situation is a complete disaster. For example, FC Goa or the team that wins the ISL will play a very important game, the ACL2 playoff, in less than three months. In less than two months, you must start pre-season, but nobody knows what will happen."
"Now they said there is a meeting to decide on the commercial partner on May 22. Then there will be more meetings on May 30, then June perhaps there will be more meetings. It is a pity. Everyone thinks we can naturalise players like Ryan Williams and start winning, but that is not the solution. The solution is to start from the grassroots. You have to practically start from zero," said Manolo.
Final Match
Goa face Kerala Blasters at the Nehru Stadium in Kochi on Monday. It will be the final game for both teams this season. If there is no clarity on the season ahead, it could also be the last time Manolo manages a team in India.
