Indian football head coach Manolo Marquez admitted that the mood in the dressing room felt like a “funeral” after his party suffered a embarrassing defeat 0-1 to Hong Kong in AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. The Indian coach, however, remained optimistic about lean chances for the qualification of India for the Asian Cup 2027.
India admitted at the dying moments of stopping time on Tuesday in Dammam, Saudi Arabia and dropped to the second consecutive insignificant trip in Group C. With just a point of two matches, the hope of India to get into the continental showpiece hanging under thread.
“Šatana is practically like a funeral,” Marquez said at a press conference after the match, trying to hide his disappointment. “We’re not very happy. We’re sad. But I still think India has the opportunity to qualify.”
In the FIFA rankings she placed at 26 locations above Hong Kong, India failed to push through the pitchWith poor decision -making in the last third, it turned out to be expensive again. In the 35th minute came a glaring opportunity when Ashique Kuruniyan thought in the box and wasted a clear chance.
“The game is easy to speak. Two teams are fighting and that’s all. Without too many chances.
Despite the gloomy scenario, the coach pointed to the tactical improvements that his party showed. “We’re not in a good moment in terms of scores. It is difficult for us to score.
The inability to see the draw also included in the coach. “I repeat again, it is a very same game for me and unfortunately for us, practically in the last event we lost at least one point. I told players, obviously we want to win. But sometimes the team does not know how to draw.”
He added, “Today, if you couldn’t win the game 90. A minute, at least try to be in a position to avoid defeat. But I feel that India is still in fighting.”
Asked how India could correct his lack of goals, Marquez sincerely answered: “Sometimes you never know. It’s not just a national team problem – it’s also in clubs. Sometimes there are four, five, six games where you don’t get a score and at once, one day, a score of three or four.”
Marquez, while he decided not to knock individuals, acknowledged that the nerves were starting to collect tax. “I can’t do anything about players. The effort was there, the attitude was there, the plan was there. But in some moments we can play with the ball better and be more courageous.”
“It’s about the situation – the team doesn’t win and the players are a little nervous. At some events, the pass is clear, but we’re not calm.”
Since Igor Stimuc was replaced last year, Marquez has supervised eight matches and managed only one victory – 3-0 friendly over the Maldives. India drew four and lost three underneath, including both key qualifiers. In this period they scored only five goals and could not find the net in their last three trips.
There is only one match left in the group phase, India is facing a steep climb to save the Asian Cup campaign. But as Marquez insists, the door to Saudi Arabia 2027 is not completely closed – not yet.
Published:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
June 11, 2025
