ISL: Mumbai City part ways with former India head coach Manolo Marquez

MUMBAI: The official announcement arrived on Friday morning, but Manolo Marquez’s departure as head coach of Mumbai City FC seemed inevitable even as one watched him storm off the pitch and down the tunnel at the Mumbai Football Arena last Sunday.The bitterness of having just seen his side let a 2-0 lead turn into a dramatic 3-2 stoppage-time defeat to Sporting Club Delhi, in their first home match of the Indian Super League season, had been too much for the Spaniard to process.And as he disappeared into the tunnel, it only served to reinforce the pre-match rumours that his first home game as Islanders boss was very likely set to be his last.“Mumbai City FC confirms that the club and Manolo Márquez have agreed to part ways for the remainder of the MG ISL 2026/27 season,” read the club’s statement on Friday.Cracks in the relationship had already begun to appear, as the two-time champions stood winless from their first three games ahead of Delhi’s visit. Still, it was not so much the results but a mounting injury list that would lead to Marquez becoming increasingly frustrated over the uncertainty of any reinforcements arriving.The former FC Goa coach has had to contend with the challenge of losing Vikram Partap Singh, Wilmar Jordán and Leandro Otormin — three key players in attack — all to long-term injuries. In light of the situation, he didn’t hold back whenever asked for his thoughts.“I’ve been in India for seven years. When I speak, it is for a reason. When I ask for players in the squad, it is because I have enough experience in this championship,” Marquez told reporters after the gut-wrenching loss to Delhi. While he would refuse to comment when asked if he would continue in his role, he seemed prepared to accept his fate.“If the club decided to substitute the coach, they can do it,” he added. That’s exactly what Mumbai have done, making it the first managerial change this ISL season.“As with every ISL club this season, we are navigating a new era for Indian football. In many ways, this marks a fresh start for the top tier of the Indian game,” said Sujay Sharma, Mumbai City’s director of football, in the club’s statement. “We brought Manolo to the club for his experience and track record in Indian football. Our focus now remains on supporting the first team and achieving our objectives for the ongoing season.”And so Marquez, who won trophies during his time at Hyderabad FC and FC Goa, and also served briefly as coach of the Indian national team, departs with Mumbai still seeking a win this season, and now, a new coach as well!Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.