Indian Football: A Glimpse of Hope Amid a Challenging 2024
Eleven games played in which Six lost and five drawn. Just four goals scored, with 15 conceded. For Indian football, 2024 has been one of the hardest years for the senior men’s national team.
The year began with dreams of a strong showing at the Asian Cup, but it has ended winless, with the summer euphoria of 2023 now a distant memory. Yet, as the atmosphere at Hyderabad’s Gachibowli Stadium on Monday evening showed, all is not lost. There’s a flicker of optimism, primarily due to Manolo Marquez, the man tasked with rebuilding a struggling team.
Despite his first four matches yielding three draws and a loss (all in friendlies), Marquez has introduced changes that could signal a much brighter 2025 for Indian football fans.
In-Form Players Shine
The first two matches of Marquez’s tenure came before the ISL season began, leaving him with underprepared players and little time for training. These games were essentially a trial run, with minimal squad changes from the Stimac era.
However, the latter two games demonstrated Marquez’s intent. Farukh Chaudhary and Irfan Yadwad, performing well under Owen Coyle at Chennaiyin FC, carried their momentum into matches against Vietnam and Malaysia. Farukh’s confident goal against Vietnam reflected the value of form players in the national setup.
Roshan Singh’s inclusion on Monday also underlined Marquez’s willingness to prioritize players in good form. His energy and non-stop movement addressed long-standing issues in the Indian setup. Similarly Jithin MS and Vibin Mohanan were rewarded for consistent league performances with call-ups. Though Vibin saw only a brief runout it signals Marquez’s intent to nurture young talent.
On the flip side, experienced players like Gurpreet Singh Sandhu may need to raise their game. Gurpreet’s mistake against Malaysia raises questions about whether others like ISL’s standout goalkeeper Vishal Kaith deserve a chance.
Midfield Takes a Creative Leap
India’s midfield has often lacked flair but Marquez is fostering a new style. Apuia and Suresh Singh, neither physically imposing, are technically adept and fearless in possession. Their ability to navigate tight spaces, retain composure, and distribute effectively marked a clear departure from previous setups.
Backups like Vibin Mohanan and Lalrinliana Hnamte bring similar qualities. This quartet embodies Marquez’s philosophy: intensity and skill trumping sheer physicality.
India’s build-up play against Vietnam and Malaysia revealed a growing fluidity. Players attempted bold moves, illustrating newfound confidence and tactical patterns. While results may not yet reflect this progress, Marquez’s methodical approach mirrors his early days at Hyderabad FC where a slow start eventually led to success.
Balancing Defensive Solidity with Variety in Attack
Balancing defensive organization and attacking creativity is a tough ask. Marquez is striving for this balance, leaning on set-piece expertise without making it India’s sole weapon.
Players like Rahul Bheke, Sandesh Jhingan, Anwar Ali and Yadwad combined with Brandon Fernandes’ precise delivery, create a potent set-piece threat. This was evident in the Malaysia match. However, India’s attack now also features variety.
Against Vietnam relentless runs behind a three-man defense troubled opponents. Against Malaysia India switched to deep crosses against a four-man backline. This adaptability keeps opponents guessing, a crucial element for success at any level of football.
Looking Ahead to 2025
While these are early signs, they provide reasons for hope. Marquez’s dissatisfaction with performances shows his high standards, and upcoming competitive matches especially the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers could provide the intensity needed to galvanize the team.
The AIFF must step up by arranging more training camps and friendlies tailored to Marquez’s vision. Players too, must seize this opportunity to become indispensable.
Conclusion
2024 has been a tough year, but Marquez is laying the groundwork for a more dynamic competitive Indian team. With his tactical nous and willingness to back in-form players 2025 could mark a turnaround for Indian football. The signs are there it’s now a matter of time and execution.
