Panaji: FC Goa have started the hunt for a new coach and conducted interviews with at least two potential candidates in the last 48 hours after realising that convincing Manolo Marquez to stay on for another season was an improbable task.Manolo, who also managed India during his time with the club, is Goa’s most successful coach, winning the Super Cup in successive seasons, besides the Bandodkar Memorial Trophy which saw participation of two teams from Argentina and Australia. The Spaniard initially signed for the club in 2023 on a two-year deal, and since then became the longest-serving coach (managing 87 matches), with a campaign that had several notable moments, which includes a club record of 45 points in a season (2023-24) and just 10 losses across three years.This season, with mutual respect at both ends, the parties were keen on extending their partnership. Talks were held, but Goa’s reduced budget for the season meant they couldn’t reach an agreement on the salary and guarantee heavy spending on the squad.Sixteen first-team players are out of contract at the moment.The club confirmed on Thursday that they have parted ways with the experienced Spanish coach, describing him as someone “fought fiercely for the badge”, and left behind a legacy that will inspire the next chapter of Goan football.”“Manolo leaves with our deepest gratitude, and he will always have a home in FC Goa,” CEO Ravi Puskur told TOI on Thursday. “He built teams that reflected who he is: honest, committed and full of character. We could not have asked for more from him. Manolo didn’t just build good football teams at FC Goa; he built a place where people enjoyed working, where they felt respected, and where everyone wanted to give more.”As director of football and then CEO, Puskur got along well with Manolo and ranked him among the best coaches he has worked with at the club.“Everything we say will fall short of the admiration, affection and respect we have for him,” said Puskur.With Manolo now no longer an option, Goa have moved quickly to find a replacement. According to sources, interviews have been conducted with two potential replacements, both with experience of the Indian football ecosystem. Names of those interviewed were being protected till a final decision is taken, possibly early next week.“We are assessing our options as all our efforts were focussed on retaining Manolo,” said Puskur. “Within a week, we hope to have a new coach in place, so we can go about planning for the season ahead.”Goa need to return to pre-season before most teams since they will feature in the AFC Champions League Two playoff against FK Arkadag in Turkmenistan on August 12. The winner will qualify for the group-stage of ACL 2 while the losing side will have to settle for a spot in the AFC Challenge League, the third tier of Asian football’s club competition.
