Manolo Márquez reveals an aspect of the Vietnam clash that he likes

The game in Vietnam will be Manolo Márquez’s first assignment as head coach of the Blue Tigers.

The Indian football team will return to action for the first time since their disappointing Intercontinental Cup campaign in September. The Blue Tigers will face Vietnam in an international friendly. It will be the second mission of the new coach Manolo Márquez since he took the reins from Igor Stimac.

India are yet to win a game after going through a forgettable phase since the start of 2024. The year began with a heartbreaking AFC Asian Cup campaign followed by an equally dismal exit in the qualifiers of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including a home defeat against Afghanistan. It has not been an ideal year in many other respects for the national team.

Captain, leader, legend, Sunil Chhetri’s retirement in June was followed by Igor Stimac’s sacking. Stimac left the position of head coach of the selection after five years of service. Manolo Márquez was identified as the new man to lead the Blue Tigers, but so far he has not lived up to expectations. A draw against Mauritius along with a defeat against Syria have been the only two results under the Spaniard’s tutelage.

India tasted a sweet 3-0 defeat the last time they faced Vietnam in 2022. It will be the Blue Tigers’ first away game under Marquez. It remains to be seen what they can bring to the table. As India prepare to renew their ties with Vietnam, Manolo Marquez addressed the media and shared his thoughts ahead of the match.

Preparations before the match

The Spaniard spoke about the time he has with his team to prepare for their match. Coach Manolo Márquez said: “It’s not normal for a national team to have five days to train before a match, usually the time is shorter.”

He was also asked about the playing conditions in Vietnam. He did not refrain from saying, “The weather is very good, and the conditions are also very good.”

Playing against Vietnam

Vietnam is certainly a better side than India on paper. They have come a long way in recent years and the results have been there for all to see, but 2024 has not been kind to them either. They have struggled to find their mojo and have lost nine of their eleven games this year.

But Marquez knows the Golden Star Warriors can hurt his side on their day. He showed respect and said, “We know we’re going to face a strong team tomorrow.”

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