FC Goa Seeks New Coach After Parting Ways with Manolo Marquez

Panaji: FC Goa has officially parted ways with Manolo Marquez, the club’s most successful coach to date, and has already begun the search for his successor. In the past 48 hours, the club has interviewed at least two potential candidates as they look to usher in a new era.

Manolo Marquez, who joined the club in 2023 on a two-year contract, leaves behind an impressive legacy. During his tenure, he managed 87 matches, making him the longest-serving coach in the club's history. Under his guidance, FC Goa achieved several milestones, including a record-breaking 45 points in the 2023-24 season and just 10 losses across three years. He also led the team to consecutive Super Cup victories and secured the Bandodkar Memorial Trophy, a tournament featuring teams from Argentina and Australia.

Despite mutual interest in extending his stay, negotiations fell through due to financial constraints. FC Goa’s reduced budget for the upcoming season made it difficult to meet the Spaniard’s salary expectations or guarantee significant investment in the squad. With 16 first-team players currently out of contract, the club faces a challenging rebuilding phase.

In a statement released on Thursday, the club expressed its gratitude for Marquez’s contributions, describing him as a coach who “fought fiercely for the badge” and left a legacy that will inspire the future of football in Goa.

As FC Goa turns the page, the focus now shifts to finding a new leader who can build on the foundation laid by Marquez and guide the team to continued success.