Former Hyderabad FC and India head coach Manolo Marquez has mutually parted ways with Mumbai City FC after the club’s poor start to the Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 season, the club announced on Friday.
The Islanders started the league with a loss to Churchill Brothers and were stunned at home by Sporting Club Delhi. In its other two matches, it drew with Kerala Blasters and Punjab FC.
“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,” Sujay Sharma, the club’s Director of Football, said in a 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. Further updates on the squad and coaching setup will be communicated through the club’s official channels in due course.”
Marquez had previously guided Hyderabad FC to its first and only Indian Super League title in 2022, before helping FC Goa to consecutive Super Cup triumphs in 2025 and the 2025-26 season.
However, he has had an unceremonious start with Mumbai City.
Marquez was seen complaining about the lack of pre-season after his side’s loss in the its opening match, against Churchill Brothers. “Our pre-season was a joke. The club was not able to organise a single strong game. All these games we played were a lie. This was our first game with a strong side, and we lost unfortunately,” the Spanish tactician told broadcasters after the match.
Marquez’s exit from Mumbai City ends his six-year stint of continuous coaching in Indian football. He was also appointed India’s coach for a brief period, in which the Blue Tigers beat Maldives in an international friendly, but absence of wins in competitive fixtures saw him leave on mutual terms.
Published on Nov 06, 2026
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