‘I Know It’s Been a While But…’: Manolo Marquez Confident Of AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualification Chances Despite India’s Winless 2024 Campaign – News18
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Indian head coach Marquez, who is still in search of his first win at the helm of the Blue Tigers, however, expressed confidence in his team’s chances to qualify for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 slated to be held in Saudi Arabia.
Indian men’s football team head coach Manolo Marquez (AIFF)
The Indian national football team will end the year 2024 without a win to their name following a 1-1 draw against Malaysia on Monday at the Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad in their year’s final assignment.
Manolo Marquez, who is still in search of his first win at the helm of the Blue Tigers, however, expressed confidence in his team’s chances to qualify for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 slated to be held in Saudi Arabia.
“We are disappointed not to win but I am sure we will qualify for the AFC Asian Cup in 2027,” the India head coach said.
“Now we have four months. I know that it’s been a while since the national team have won a game, but we will win in March,” said Marquez.
While scoring goals is an area where they are still looking to improve, Marquez expressed his satisfaction with the team’s defence.
India conceded an 18th-minute goal against Malaysia in a horrendous mix-up between skipper Gurpreet Singh and star defender Sandesh Jhingan, before Rahul Bheke’s header in the 39th minute restored parity.
Marquez highlighted the silver lining in the stalemate stating that he was impressed with the level of press the Blue Tigers applied, and the side’s integrity in defence barring the horrendous error early on.
“On the positive side, I think that we pressed very well. We defended very well particularly. They didn’t create chances till the last moment when they hit the post. The reality is that we created good combinations but not too clearly,” he continued.
“The other good aspect is that the goal we scored was with a very good action. All the players, not only the delivery of Brandon Fernandes and the header of Rahul Bheke, but everyone in the set-piece did their job,” he added.
“Obviously there are positive things, but we wanted to win and it was not possible. But I am satisfied with the efforts of the guys and some things that we improved,” said Marquez.
Marquez’s first assignment as the manager of the Indian side was a 0-0 draw against Mauritius before going down 0-3 to Syria. The Spaniard oversaw a 1-1 draw against Vietnam following the loss, and continued with yet another draw against Malaysia.
The Spaniard spoke of marked improvements in the side since he took over and the gradual upscaling the team has done under him.
“If you compare it with the Mauritius or Syria matches, this (Malaysia) was one thousand times better. Malaysia also could’ve won with the last chance and we could’ve won as well,” the 56-year-old said.
“My opinion is that the improvement is there. The important thing is to score. At least we understand what we want to do. It’s correct that we have more room for improvement. We can and we will play better than today for sure,” the head coach added.
One massive positive for the Indian team was that they gave four new faces their opportunities in the national team jersey – Irfan Yadwad, Hmingthangmawia Ralte, Jithin MS, and Vibin Mohanan, all of whom made their international debuts against Malaysia on Monday.
Marquez, who has called up a swathe of youngsters to the international fold including the likes of Irfan Yadwad, Hmingthangmawia Ralte, Jithin MS, and Vibin Mohanan, added that he was impressed with the levels demonstrated by the debutants.
“The picture will be clearer in four months. But I am satisfied with the group that we have. Obviously, it’s difficult to say that this will be the group. But I am satisfied with the performance of some new players,” he said
“For example, I think Irfan played a good game. He’s a player with a very good future,” Marquez concluded.
