New Dawn in Indian Football as Marquez Era Begins Against Mauritius

Manolo Marquez starts his tenure as Indian national team coach in Hyderabad against Mauritius in the Intercontinental Cup. The match is a prelude to future challenges, emphasizing the importance of preparation over immediate results. Both teams aim to use the tournament for strategic advancements.

In a return to the city where his journey in Indian football began nearly five years ago, Manolo Marquez will start his tenure as the coach of the Indian national team. The Blue Tigers will take on Mauritius in the Intercontinental Cup opener at the GMC Balayogi Athletic Stadium in Hyderabad on Tuesday, marking the beginning of a new era filled with aspirations of bettering past performances.

"I am very excited. It's special to play the first game here in Hyderabad. It feels like a new stadium now with the new facilities here," Marquez expressed during a pre-match press conference on Monday. Accompanied by defender Roshan Singh Naorem, Marquez highlighted that despite limited training sessions, the team is focused and positive. Their first practice session took place on a rainy Sunday evening, with one more scheduled before the match. Importantly, Marquez remains optimistic, stressing the importance of attitude and hard work over making excuses.

"We'll have only two training sessions before the first game. But I feel that when there's a new coach and new staff, the predisposition is good. It's about the attitude of the players and I'm convinced that will be very good," Marquez noted. The Intercontinental Cup serves as a crucial stepping stone for the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers next year. While results in this tournament are secondary, establishing a strong playing style is key. Marquez clarified, "The main target of playing these games is to prepare for the more important thing - the Asian Cup qualifiers. We are ready for tomorrow."

India's opponents, Mauritius, also view the tournament as preparation for future competitive matches. Despite being in a similar developmental phase, they have had success, including a victory over Eswatini in their current FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign. Mauritius head coach Guillaume Moullec, who took charge in May, emphasized stability and efficiency as their primary goals. "The aim of these games is to look for a team that is very steady," said Moullec. Regardless of potential changes from India's side, Moullec insisted, "Our primary goal is to focus on our own team and continue our progress."

Following the opener, Mauritius will face Syria on September 6, and India will meet Syria on September 9. The team with the highest points after all three matches will be declared the Intercontinental Cup 2024 champions.

(With inputs from agencies.)