Who Will Save Indian Football? Top Candidates to Replace Manolo Marquez

Indian football in 2025 feels like a glitch in the system. Moments of hope quickly fade into confusion and inconsistency. The men’s national team has dropped to 132nd in the FIFA rankings, the ISL has been suddenly suspended, and head coach Manolo Marquez quit halfway through his term—all while the AIFF’s “Vision 2047” plan hangs in the background.

For fans, it’s like watching a disappointing replay of a story they hoped would be different. Expectations were high, but after six games, just one win, and Manolo’s quiet exit, Indian football is left in a state of uncertainty.

Vision 2047 in Chaos: Another Short-Term Fix?

AIFF’s grand vision of establishing India as a premier footballing nation in Asia by 2047 now seems like it’s become a PowerPoint pipedream rather than a proper plan, and with ISL on hold and the coaching (and managerial) situation unclear, there are outgoing football fans who doubt the federation can survive (without some form of chaos) unless it replicates 22 months of ‘vision’, let alone 22 years.

To say the national programme is in a state of limbo due to a lack of process, poor leadership decisions, and a moving goal-post in the footballing landscape, would be generous to a growing number of fans who have simply given up checking in.

Fan Fatigue Is Real: “Frustrated” Has Turned Into “Disengaged”

There was a time when Indian football fans felt frustrated. By 2025, many had become indifferent. With club football stuck in limbo, the national team making news mostly for losses and early exits, and no clear leadership in sight, the mood has turned sour. Fans are looking for answers—but all they hear is silence.

Who’s Next? The Most Crucial Decision Yet

AIFF must now make its most decisive decision yet: Who replaces Manolo Marquez? This is not just about filling another managerial void. The next head coach could determine how Indian football will develop for the next 10 years. Here are some of the candidates being discussed:

Antonio Lopez Habas – The Tactical Veteran

Antonio Habas, who was passed over for the job before Manolo, made a strong statement by leading Inter Kashi to an I-League title and earning promotion to the ISL. A proven winner with two ISL titles and plenty of experience dealing with the challenges of Indian football, Habas is the true definition of someone who gets the job done.

He might not be the most flashy name, but he brings discipline, structure, and immediate credibility—qualities that Indian football can no longer afford to ignore.

Khalid Jamil – The Local Hero?

Khalid Jamil, the first Indian coach to ever take a team to the ISL semis (NorthEast United), might be the people’s choice. With a solid grasp of grassroots football, a clearly defined tactical mindset, and experience managing when it really counts, he has cemented his credentials.

Khalid embodies much more than simply a coach, though, he represents independence, sustainability—not that Indian football needs independence, but possibly sustainability—and therein lies the most pertinent question: will the AIFF trust an Indian head coach where it matters most?

Owen Coyle – The Motivator Returns?

Though Chennaiyin FC recently parted ways with Owen Coyle, he’s still a well-respected figure in Indian football. From Jamshedpur FC’s Shield win to Chennaiyin’s playoff runs, he’s proven he can build teams and motivate players.

Coyle is known for strong player connections and consistent weekly performance, but does he have the long-term vision to lead a national team project? Or is he better suited focusing on club football?

A New Face – A Gamble Worth Taking?

Igor Stimac was not a big star when he was named in 2019. While that experiment ended underwhelmingly, the concept of a left-field tactician is, in some sense, still very much alive.

India can benefit from a lesser known but experienced manager from Asian or African circuits – someone who’s accustomed to working with little and building from scratch. It’s some risk, but what isn’t risk in Indian football today?

A new manager alone won’t save Indian football—but the right appointment can be a stabilizing guide. With Vision 2047 coming dangerously close to being a buzzword without a blueprint, it is time to reset the system with clarity, order and long-term trust.

In the meantime, Indian fans can keep holding on for a patch update to the glitchy game that will work.