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News18
18-07-2025
- Business
- News18
Manolo Marquez To Continue As FC Goa Head Coach For 2025-26 Season
Last Updated: Manolo Marquez will stay as FC Goa head coach for the 2025-26 season. Since joining in 2023, he has led the team to success and aims to advance in Indian and Asian football. FC Goa announced that Manolo Marquez will remain as head coach for the 2025-26 season. After guiding the Gaurs through two successful campaigns, the Spanish tactician will stay on for a third season. 'I am very satisfied to join FC Goa for a third season. I was very happy during the previous two seasons, where the team showed consistent improvement each year. The level of organisation that the club operates with is not commonly observed in Indian club football, making FC Goa a very special club," Manolo Marquez said when speaking of his return to Goa. 'It was clear for me that if I were to continue in India, it had to be with FC Goa," he added. Marquez, who initially signed for the club in 2023 on a two-year deal, has become the longest-serving head coach of the Gaurs, with a campaign spanning 62 matches across all competitions. He begins his third season with ambitions to not only advance the club in Indian football but also in Asian football, following the victory in the Super Sup last season. His first assignment will be leading the club in the preliminary stage of the AFC Champions League 2, against the Omani Professional League team, Al-Seeb Club, at Fatorda on 13th August. Regarding Marquez's extension, FC Goa's CEO, Ravi Puskur, said, 'When the opportunity arose to bring Manolo back, it was one of the most straightforward decisions we've had to make at the club. Over the past two seasons, he has not only delivered results but done so with a clear identity and a deep commitment to improving the group as a whole." Leading FC Goa to two consecutive semi-final appearances in the ISL, Marquez's record includes four consecutive playoff appearances in top-tier Indian Football, reflecting his tactical brilliance. He has a unique ability to identify young talent and develop players into valuable assets for the club, bringing to the forefront players who have since gained significant acclaim in Indian football. Puskur added, 'Manolo's ability to bring out the best in players — individually and collectively — along with his sincerity, work ethic, and clarity of purpose, align perfectly with the values we hold at FC Goa. In an environment where continuity and consistency are often hard to come by, Manolo represents both. 'His desire to win matches the right way, while developing talent and instilling belief in the squad, made this decision an easy one. We are delighted to welcome him back and look forward to building on the strong foundation he helped lay." he further remarked on Marquez distinctly paving the path for a winning philosophy at the club. Marquez remains steadfast despite the challenge of certain key players exiting the club. 'I hope that in the next season the team will again be very competitive. We have almost twenty players continuing with us from the previous season, a rare number in the current footballing world. The new faces will of course have certain adjustments to make as we cannot change what worked for us. The hope always remains that we will fight well and that the crowd will be proud of this team," he said. What Will Be Manolo Marquez'S First Game Back As FC Goa Boss? Currently, Marquez is focused on the opportunity for the club to excel on the international stage, stating, 'It is obviously not a usual pre-season for us. Generally, you get about six to eight weeks of training before you arrive at the first ISL game in good conditions, having played multiple domestic competitions already. We are in a special situation, but a great one for us at the club where we also have the AFC match to look forward to. It will be a difficult game against Al-Seeb, but we are of course ready to play against them and the target will be to be there with our best foot forward." top videos View all Joining Marquez in his coaching staff this year are two new members — Spaniards Marc Gamon as the Goalkeeping coach, and David Ramos as the Strength & Conditioning coach — following the departure of Asier Ray Santin and Jose Carlos Barroso. Gamon completed a two-year stint with Belgian club KMSK Deinze and reunited with Marquez last year. For the 2024-25 season, Gamon was Marquez's goalkeeping coach for the Blue Tigers. They previously worked together at Hyderabad FC in the 2020-21 season. Ramos, new to Indian football, brings experience from coaching clubs in Spain and China. The rest of his coaching staff, including Assistant Coaches Benito Montalvo and Gouramangi Singh Moirangthem, continue their roles at the club. In a state where football is cherished, Coach Marquez has built a deep sense of trust within the Goan community. Marquez appreciates the relationship the fans share with FC Goa and credits them with being a motivational factor behind some significant wins for the Men in Orange. My connection with the fans has gotten better every season. The fans have been loyal even when the team went through some hard times. Their support towards the club is very big for us, and we would hope for it to continue this year for all our games." he said. About the Author Ritayan Basu Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket content, More News18 Sports brings you the latest updates, live commentary, and highlights from cricket, football, tennis, badmintion, wwe and more. Catch breaking news, live scores, and in-depth coverage. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : fc goa indian football Manolo Marquez view comments Location : Goa, India, India First Published: July 18, 2025, 18:03 IST News sports » football Manolo Marquez To Continue As FC Goa Head Coach For 2025-26 Season Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Indian Express
16-07-2025
- Sport
- Indian Express
ISL on hold: Uncertainty in Indian football ‘scares' players, clubs caught in limbo
When the news first broke that the pre-season training was delayed by a fortnight, Sunil Chhetri 'smiled'. It meant he got more time 'to get in shape' after a lengthy vacation. 'That 'fortnight' has now changed to 'indefinitely' and that smile's been wiped out,' the Bengaluru FC talisman shared. And now, he is 'very concerned' about the 'current situation in Indian football'. The 'situation' Chhetri referred to in his lengthy social media post was about the Indian Super League (ISL). The future top flight of the men's game – and the centrepiece of the Indian football season – is up in the air after the upcoming season was put 'on hold' due to a dispute over an agreement between the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the Football Sport Development Limited, the joint venture that runs the ISL. Chhetri admitted that 'everybody is scared'. 'I've received a flurry of texts from players, staff members, physios, masseurs – not just from my club, but from other clubs as well. Everybody in the Indian football ecosystem is worried, hurt, scared about the uncertainty we are faced with,' he wrote. When my phone went off a few weeks ago informing us of a delay in pre-season by a fortnight, I must admit it made me smile. And that's because I was on vacation, hadn't moved as much as I would have liked to, and hadn't been eating as clean as I usually do. I had more time than I… — Sunil Chhetri (@chetrisunil11) July 16, 2025 Indeed, at a time when clubs would have been finalising their player signings and coach appointments and the fans would wait in anticipation for the league schedule, the common phrases whistling about in the pre-season debates are courtroom jargon like 'verdict' and 'order'. All eyes are on the Supreme Court's final order on the AIFF's constitution, which is expected on Friday, July 18. The governing body has the ongoing case as one of the reasons why an agreement with the FSDL is still pending. At the same time, the clubs are aware that the apex court's verdict is not a magic pill that will solve all issues. 'But at least that gets the ball rolling,' FC Goa CEO, Ravi Puskur, told The Indian Express. 'Neither the AIFF nor the FSDL can act, and so the clubs are left in a limbo. The Supreme Court removing that block obviously allows the two parties to talk.' Goa are one of two sides slated to compete in continental competitions this season, the other being Mohun Bagan Super Giant, who have qualified for the group stage proper of the AFC Champions League 2 (ACL 2) as ISL champions. Goa, on the other hand, have qualified for the playoff match as winners of the Super Cup. They are set to face Oman's Al-Seeb at home on August 13. The group stage begins September 16. 'While we are trying to manage our expenses as best as we can, we also want to put our best foot forward in the tournament,' said Puskur. He said that the club commences training at the end of this week and don't want to distract players or coaching staff from football matters. 'We keep working with them until someone tells us otherwise, that the league is not to go ahead this year. For, then we have another conversation that we need to have with them (the coaching staff and the players) given that they have a commitment and there is a guaranteed fixture we have to play on the 13th of August,' Puskur said. Bagan, on the other hand, are planning to start their pre-season training around the first week of August for the ACL 2. With regards to determining any schedule for the league itself, a source within the club told this paper that they are waiting for the Supreme Court verdict. Bagan are also among the six ISL clubs that have not pulled out of the Durand Cup, slated to start on July 23 with fellow Kolkata giants East Bengal facing South United in the season opener. However, they are fielding their junior side for the initial stages, with some seniors expected to join for the knockouts. Welcoming our new boys with the mandatory tunnel…#StrongerAsOne #8States1United — NorthEast United FC (@NEUtdFC) July 13, 2025 NorthEast United, the defending champions of the Durand Cup, have already started their pre-season training. 'Our season is on,' CEO Mandar Tamhane told this paper, stating that they have announced their pre-season schedule and are, for now, trying to maintain as much normalcy as possible. 'What is clear in front of me is that I have a Durand Cup, which is part of the AIFF calendar, and I have to prepare myself for that. What is going to happen, nobody can say anything about it till the time we have certain things which are dependent on the ruling of the honourable Supreme Court. I prefer to prepare for things that are in front of me rather than worry about how to prepare for something you don't know about,' he said. Chennaiyin FC have pulled out of the competition, one of seven ISL clubs to have done so, along with Bengaluru FC, Kerala Blasters, Odisha FC, Mohammedan Sporting, Hyderabad FC and Mumbai City FC. Sources within the club cite the uncertainty around ISL as a direct reason for the decision. Chennaiyin have decided to start their pre-season training approximately six to eight weeks before the new ISL season begins, once the dates are announced. The club has also paused any negotiations with potential foreign signings, as have Jamshedpur FC, Odisha FC, and the embattled Hyderabad FC, which are also grappling with a desire to relocate to Delhi. There's an air of anxiety as each day passes due to the uncertainty. But Chhetri appealed to 'everyone involved with Indian football' to 'stay calm. 'We'll ride this storm together,' he reassured. Rohit Mundayur is a Copy Editor with the Sports Team at The Indian Express. He works with the online team and is based out of Delhi. ... Read More
The Star
13-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
RM1mil relief for KLFA but no rash spending, says president
PETALING JAYA: For a team that have previously struggled with financial issues, receiving a windfall is certainly a welcome relief, especially with the new Super League season set to begin on Aug 8. The Kuala Lumpur Football Association (KLFA) were handed an unexpected boost when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced an RM1mil allocation during their Golden Jubilee celebration on Saturday. However, KLFA president Syed Yazid Syed Omar is keeping his excitement in check, stressing that any decision on how the funds will be used must be carefully discussed with the association's executive committee, with the main priority being the development of Kuala Lumpur football. 'We never asked for it, but the Prime Minister made the announcement himself. I didn't expect it at all. It's a substantial amount, and we are very grateful,' said Yazid. 'KLFA need to discuss on how to use the money thoroughly. What matters most is ensuring that KLFA are well managed. As for KL City's long-standing salary arrears and debts, Yazid said most of the outstanding payments have been resolved, although he declined to reveal the exact amount still owed. This season, KL City have also made bold moves in the transfer market by signing several high-profile players, including Manuel Hidalgo, Syamer Kutty Abba and Safawi Rasid. Yazid expressed his gratitude that the club's finances are now in a more stable position, largely due to the support of patron Fahmi Fadzil. With a strengthened squad, he is aiming for a top-two finish in the Malaysian Super League and a spot in the AFC Champions League 2 (ACL2). 'For KL City, funding and sponsorship have been flowing in. I would like to thank our patron for being instrumental in helping us secure the necessary support. 'We are financially stable now. Salaries are up to date under the new management and everything is running smoothly. Last season, despite facing severe financial difficulties, KL City still managed to finish sixth in the Super League and reached the quarter-finals of the Malaysian Cup.
Observer
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Observer
OFA to organise friendly tournament in Salalah on July 27
MUSCAT: The Oman Football Association (OFA) is gearing up to organise a four-team football tournament in Salalah, bringing together elite domestic and national teams in preparation for critical upcoming continental competitions. The tournament will feature: Oman Olympic U-23 team, Seeb Club reigning Omantel League champions, Al Shabab Club – His Majesty's Cup 2024–25 title holders and Al Nahdha Club – runners-up of the 2024–25 Omantel League. The event is scheduled to start on July 27. The purpose of this friendly competition is not only to offer high level match experience in a competitive environment but also to strategically blend national team players with their respective clubs, offering coaching staff valuable opportunities for assessment and preparation ahead of the significant events. This setup is particularly beneficial ahead of major international fixtures with players gaining exposure through tightly contested matches. Coach Badar al Maimani This initiative is part of OFA's wider efforts to support Omani clubs that will represent the Sultanate of Oman in upcoming regional and continental tournaments. Seeb Club will participate in the AFC Champions League 2 beginning in mid-August while Al Shabab Club is set to compete in the AFC Challenge Cup. Al Nahdha Club will take part in the Gulf Champions League. By facilitating this preparatory tournament, OFA will ensure the Olympic team and the domestic clubs will have strong opposition and maintain high performance levels leading up to their respective competitions. The Oman Olympic U-23 national team, led by coach Badar al Maimani, will also use the tournament to sharpen their skills ahead of their campaign in the AFC U-23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 Qualifiers which is scheduled to take place during September 1 to 9. Oman is grouped with Iraq, Pakistan, and hosts Cambodia in Group F. Oman Olympic U-23 team The Olympic team recently began a short domestic camp with 24 players and is set to participate in an international friendly tournament in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, from July 17 to 23, alongside teams from Syria, Bahrain, and Kyrgyzstan. These steps are aimed at fine-tuning the squad ahead of the pivotal qualifiers. Coach Badar and his technical team will emphasise on building tactical cohesion and developing match fitness to secure a top spot in the qualifiers. The top team in each group and the four best runners-up will qualify for the final tournament alongside host nation Saudi Arabia.
The Hindu
26-06-2025
- Sport
- The Hindu
Cristiano Ronaldo signs two-year contract extension with Al Nassr
Cristiano Ronaldo has penned a fresh contract extension with Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr, the Portuguese forward and the club announced on Thursday. The new deal will see the 40-year-old stay at Nassr till 2027. 'A new chapter begins. Same passion, same dream. Let's make history together,' Ronaldo posted on his official X account. This announcement ends a period of speculation around the player's future at the club he'd joined back in 2022 after he posted a cryptic message at the end of the 2024-25 season. 'This chapter is over. The story? Still being written. Grateful to all,' it read. He'd confirmed earlier this month that he will not be part of the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup 2025. He has recorded 93 goals and 19 assists in 105 appearances across all competitions for the Saudi club, but is yet to win a league title. In the recently concluded season, Al Nassr finished third in the points table, missing out on a spot in next year's AFC Champions League Elite and instead will play in the AFC Champions League 2. Moreover, Al Nassr is currently without a manager after Stefano Pioli left the role on Wednesday, making him the third full-time coach to leave since Ronaldo's arrival. The former Real Madrid striker recently celebrated his third international title as Portugal defeated Spain to win the UEFA Nations League.
