Indian National Team Prepares for Malaysia Friendly
The Indian senior men’s national football team has started their training camp in Hyderabad ahead of their friendly match against Malaysia on November 18. With the Indian Super League on a break, the team will have six days of training. Head coach Manolo Marquez decided to play only one game during this window to focus on training. He believes the team is still in the early stages of development, having played only three games so far.
Marquez’s Coaching Journey
Marquez’s tenure began with a challenging start, with a draw against Mauritius and a loss to Syria. However, the team showed improvement in a 1-1 draw against Vietnam. Marquez emphasizes the importance of training and preparing for future official matches, including the 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers.
New Players and Future Plans
Marquez continues to introduce new players, with Hmingthanmawia Ralte, Vibin Mohanan, Irfan Yadwad, and Thoiba Singh Moirangthem receiving their first call-ups. The coach aims to find the best group of players for upcoming qualifiers, focusing on tactical training and player development.
Despite not having secured a win yet, Marquez remains patient and focused on building a cohesive team. He is confident in the team’s potential and looks forward to a strong performance against Malaysia.
Doubts Revealed
Manolo Marquez -: Manolo Marquez is the head coach of the Indian senior men’s national football team. He is responsible for training and preparing the team for matches. He started his role with the team recently and is working on improving their performance.
Friendly Match -: A friendly match is a game played between two teams that is not part of a competition or tournament. It is usually played to practice and improve skills without the pressure of winning a trophy.
Indian Super League -: The Indian Super League (ISL) is a professional football league in India. It features teams from different cities and is one of the top football leagues in the country. The league is currently on a break, allowing the national team to focus on training.
Hyderabad -: Hyderabad is a city in India where the Indian football team is currently training. It is known for its rich history, culture, and as a hub for technology and education.
Qualifiers -: Qualifiers are matches that teams play to qualify for a larger tournament or competition. Winning these matches allows teams to participate in major events like the World Cup or Asian Cup.