Mumbai City FC and Manolo Márquez mutually part ways after poor start to ISL 2026-27
Mumbai City FC have mutually agreed to part ways with head coach Manolo Márquez after a run of two defeats and two draws at the start of the ISL 2026-27 season, leaving the club 10th with two points from four matches.
The Islanders opened their campaign with a 2-1 loss to debutants Churchill Brothers at Fatorda Stadium, Goa, then drew 1-1 with Punjab FC in New Delhi after Gurkirat’s goal cancelled Mumbai’s earlier lead. A goalless draw followed in God’s Own Country, where the Tuskers registered relatively more expected goals (xG) than the Islanders. In their most recent outing in the National Capital, Mumbai City fell 3-2 to SC Delhi despite leading 2-1 until the end of regulation.
Manolo Márquez is described in club commentary as one of the most successful coaches in Indian Super League history; he previously won the Indian Super League with Hyderabad FC before joining FC Goa. During his stint at FC Goa he led the Gaurs to consecutive AIFF Super Cup victories in 2025 and the 2025-26 season. The report refers to him as a former Indian national team gaffer and notes he was brought in as a replacement for Petr Kratky.
Mumbai City’s recent coaching hires are listed as including Sergio Lobera, Des Buckingham and Petr Kratky as part of a period during which the club established itself among the league’s stronger teams. Under Márquez the side failed to register a victory in the new season; the team scored 4 goals across four matches and conceded six. Márquez has frequently attributed the poor start to the club’s inability to arrange preseason matches against higher-quality opposition.
After the split, Sujay Sharma, Director of Football, Mumbai City FC, said: “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. 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.”
The club has not announced a replacement for Márquez; it is expected that assistant coach Anthony Fernandes will take over as the interim coach. Fernandes has previously stepped in as interim manager following Des Buckingham’s departure.
There remain uncertainties about Manolo Márquez’s future in the Indian top tier, and the report notes it will be interesting to see if Manolo and FC Goa can get back together, especially given Goa’s disastrous campaign in the AFC Challenge League and inability to perform well in the Indian top tier under Gourmangi Singh.
