The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has appointed FC Goa boss Manolo Marquez as the head coach of the Indian men’s national team, succeeding Igor Stimac. This appointment brings to light a common thread in football management: the balancing act between club and country responsibilities. Marquez, at 55 years old, will take the reins of the Blue Tigers while simultaneously fulfilling his commitments to the Indian Super League club.
The Spaniard’s journey to India, following stints in Spain, Croatia, and Thailand, mirrors the paths of several other coaches who have navigated the dual roles of club and national team manager. One of the most notable examples is Rinus Michels, a footballing mastermind who led Ajax to three European Cup triumphs. After his successful run with Ajax, Michels moved to Barcelona, winning La Liga in 1973/74. Simultaneously, Michels took over as manager of the Netherlands in 1974, leading the Oranje to the World Cup final, where they lost to West Germany. This was not his only stint with the national team, as he returned three more times, culminating in a European Championship victory in 1988.
Another prominent figure in this realm is Guus Hiddink, the Dutch manager known for his ability to seamlessly transition between club and national team roles. In 2006, Hiddink guided Russia to the Euro semifinals before taking the reins at Chelsea in 2009, leading them to a Champions League semifinal appearance and an FA Cup victory. Notably, this was not his first experience managing two teams simultaneously, as he previously held roles at PSV Eindhoven and Australia in 2005 and 2006. During this time, he led Australia to their first World Cup finals appearance in 32 years, reaching the knockout stage.
Sir Alex Ferguson, the legendary Manchester United manager, also navigated the dual roles of club and country. Prior to his iconic tenure at United, Ferguson managed Aberdeen and Scotland concurrently. He stepped in to lead Scotland after the tragic passing of manager Jock Stein in 1985, guiding the nation to the 1986 World Cup, where they failed to advance beyond the group stage. Despite the challenges of managing both teams, Ferguson managed to secure the Scottish Cup and League Cup during the 1985-86 season.
Fabio Capello, a renowned manager with a decorated career, also encountered the dual roles scenario. In 2015, he left his position as Russia manager after a disappointing period, with Russia struggling to qualify for Euro 2016. Leonid Slutsky, then the manager of CSKA Moscow, was appointed as the interim Russia coach. However, he guided the team to victory in the remaining qualifiers, securing a place in the tournament. This enabled him to continue in his dual roles, leading CSKA to its third league title in four years.
The story of Fatih Terim, the legendary Galatasaray manager, adds another dimension to the discussion. He took on the dual responsibilities of coaching Galatasaray and the Turkish national team during the 2013 World Cup qualifiers.
These examples demonstrate the complexity and challenges involved in managing both club and country teams simultaneously. While it demands considerable dedication and skill, it also showcases the talent and commitment of managers who strive for success on both fronts. Marquez’s appointment as India’s national team coach while remaining with FC Goa is a testament to this enduring trend in football management.
