Amid buzz over his exit, coach Manolo Marquez names probables for Indian football team’s Kolkata camp

Manolo Marquez is reportedly set to leave the Indian football team head coach role in June, however, he still has at least two matches to go. The Spaniard on Wednesday named a 28-member probables squad for the Indian football team’s camp in Kolkata.

The Indian football team is scheduled to take on Thailand in an international friendly and then Hong Kong on 10 June in the FIFA International window. The match against Hong Kong at the Kai Tak Sports Park, in Kowloon City, will be India’s next game in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Final Round qualifiers

Indian football team camp announced

There are reports that Marquez is finding it tough to continue as the Indian football team’s head coach amid administrative issues at the All Indian Football Federation (AIFF) and his love for club football. The FC Goa coach is reportedly set to continue with the Indian Super League (ISL) club and will leave the national team job after the 10 June match.

Nonetheless, he will supervise the national team camp, which will get underway on 18th May in Kolkata as they prepare for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Final Round qualifiers. India are placed in Group C, along with Bangladesh, Hong Kong China and Singapore.

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Only the group winner will qualify for the AFC Asian Cup 2027. Currently, all teams are on one point each after one game.

India’s first match in the final round of qualifiers was held in Shillong against Bangladesh, which ended in a poor goalless draw.

Marquez, however, has decided against sending a recall to goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu despite Bengaluru FC reaching the ISL Cup final. Goalie Vishal Kaith has been included despite a horrible outing against Bangladesh.

Sunil Chhetri, 40, continues to be a part of the national team after reversing his retirement.

Indian football team’s 28-member probables for Kolkata camp:

Goalkeepers: Hrithik Tiwari, Vishal Kaith, Gurmeet Singh Chahal, Amrinder Singh.

Defenders: Naorem Roshan Singh, Rahul Bheke, Konsham Chinglensana Singh, Anwar Ali, Thangjam Boris Singh, Sandesh Jhingan, Asish Rai, Subhasish Bose, Mehtab Singh, Tekcham Abhishek Singh, Nikhil Prabhu.

Midfielders: Suresh Singh Wangjam, Naorem Mahesh Singh, Ayush Dev Chhetri, Udanta Singh Kumam, Lalengmawia Ralte, Liston Colaco, Ashique Kuruniyan, Brandon Fernandes.

Forwards: Sunil Chhetri, Irfan Yadwad, Manvir Singh, Suhail Ahmad Bhat, Lallianzuala Chhangte.