The former Hyderabad FC, FC Goa and India head coach Manolo Marquez begins a new chapter with the Islanders, aiming to restore their dominance in Indian football.
Kolkata, July 18: Mumbai City FC have appointed Manolo Marquez Roca as their new head coach, with the Spaniard putting pen to paper on a one-year contract. After impressive spells with Hyderabad FC and FC Goa, Manolo now joins the Islanders for the upcoming season from FC Goa.
Manolo arrived in India in 2020 to take charge of Hyderabad FC. During the time from 2020 to 2023, he guided the club to its maiden Indian Super League title and established Hyderabad as one of the league’s strongest sides full of Indian talents.
He later joined FC Goa in 2023, where he displayed another successful spell until 2025. Under his leadership, the Gaurs won two consecutive Super Cup titles, remained consistent contenders in the Indian Super League, and secured qualification for AFC competitions, where FC Goa represented India with impressive performances.
Manolo also served as the head coach of the Indian men’s national team. He took charge in July 2024 and remained at the helm until stepping down after India’s AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifying campaign.
Manolo Marquez Roca has built a reputation as one of Indian football’s most respected tacticians. His coaching philosophy is centred on positional play, defensive discipline and creating competitive teams capable of outperforming expectations. Renowned for his pragmatic and highly structured approach, the Spaniard adapts his tactics to suit the strengths of his squad while maintaining defensive solidity. Beyond his tactical expertise, Manolo is also recognised for his calm leadership, excellent man-management and his ability to foster a positive dressing-room environment.
Beyond trophies, Manolo’s greatest contribution to Indian football has been his ability to shape careers. He has turned promising youngsters into established stars, developing Akash Mishra grow into one of India’s premier full-backs, moulding Nikhil Poojary into a dependable defender, unlocking the attacking potential of Liston Colaco, and Asish Rai to a reliable right back. At FC Goa, Jay Gupta emerged as one of the league’s brightest young defenders, while Mohammad Yasir, Boris Singh and Brison Fernandes flourished under his guidance.
Time and again, Manolo has proven that success is not only measured by silverware, but also by the players he develops, building footballers who go on to become key figures for both their clubs and the Indian national team. Now, the Islanders place their faith in the proven leader to lead a new season, with hopes of bringing silverware back to Mumbai City FC.
Read more about Indian Football
