FC Goa looks to the next chapter after parting ways with Manolo Marquez, the club’s most successful coach | Goa News
Panaji: FC Goa He began the search for a new coach and interviewed at least two potential candidates in the past 48 hours after realizing that convincing Manolo Marquez to stay for another season was an unlikely task.Manolo, who also coached India during his time with the club, is Goa’s most successful coach, having won the Super Cup in successive seasons, along with the Bandodkar Memorial Trophy which saw teams from Argentina and Australia participate. The Spaniard initially signed for the club in 2023 on a two-year deal, and has since become their longest-serving manager (managing 87 games), with a season that has seen many notable moments, which includes a club record of 45 points in a single season (2023-24) and just 10 losses over three years.This season, and in light of mutual respect from both parties, both parties were keen to expand their partnership. Talks were held, but Goa’s reduced budget for this season meant they were unable to reach an agreement on salary and ensure big spending on the squad.Sixteen players from the first team are currently out of contract.The club confirmed on Thursday its parting ways with the experienced Spanish coach, describing him as someone who “fought hard for the badge” and left behind a legacy that will inspire the next chapter of Goan football.“Manolo leaves with our deepest gratitude and will always have a home at FC Goa,” CEO Ravi Puskur told TOI on Thursday. “He has built teams that reflect who he is: honest, committed and full of character. We could not have asked for more from him. Manolo has not only built good football teams at FC Goa; he has built a place where people enjoy working, where they feel respected, and where everyone wants to give more.”As Director of Football and then CEO, Buscor had a good relationship with Manolo and ranked him among the best coaches he had worked with at the club.“Whatever we say will never live up to the level of admiration, affection and respect we have for him,” Bouskor said.With Manolo now no longer an option, Goa moved quickly to find a replacement. According to sources, interviews have been conducted with two potential replacements, both of whom have experience in the Indian football ecosystem. The names of those interviewed are being protected until a final decision is made, possibly early next week.“We are evaluating our options as all our efforts have been focused on retaining Manolo,” Buscor said. “Within a week, we hope to have a new coach so we can plan for next season,” he added.Goa need to return to pre-season before most teams as they will take part in their second AFC Champions League play-off against FK Arkadag in Turkmenistan on August 12. The winner will qualify for the group stage of the AFC Champions League 2, while the losing team will have to secure a place in the AFC Challenge League, the third tier of the Asian club football competition.
