The Indian football team has been struggling to secure a win in their last three matches, and head coach Manolo Marquez believes the team must “improve in everything” as they prepare to face Malaysia in an international friendly on Monday. Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Manolo candidly acknowledged the challenges ahead, stating, “Football is about attack, defense, transitions, and set pieces. We need to improve in everything.”
India’s last victory came over a year ago, and the team has faced mixed results under Manolo’s leadership. In September’s Intercontinental Cup, India drew 1-1 against Mauritius and suffered a 0-3 loss to Syria, followed by another 1-1 draw against Vietnam in October. Monday’s match will be India’s final game of the year, and a failure to win would leave them winless in 11 consecutive matches in 2023.
Optimism Despite Setbacks:
Despite recent struggles, Manolo remains hopeful. “We want to win after a long time,” he said, emphasizing the importance of minimizing errors. “The team with fewer mistakes usually wins the game. We’ll aim to play a solid match with minimal errors against Malaysia.”
The India-Malaysia rivalry, which dates back to 1957, has seen the two teams face off 32 times, with each winning 12 matches and eight ending in draws. Currently, India is ranked 125th in FIFA rankings, with Malaysia close behind at 133rd, reflecting the tight competition between the teams.
“This match is more than just a rivalry,” Manolo said. “It’s a chance to evaluate our level against a Pot 2 team ahead of the upcoming Asian Cup Qualifiers.” India is in Pot 1, while Malaysia is in Pot 2 for the qualifiers scheduled for March 2027.
Key Players and Preparations:
India’s defense will receive a much-needed boost with the return of central defender Sandesh Jhingan after a 10-month injury hiatus. Manolo described Jhingan as “the most difficult Indian player to replace,” highlighting his leadership and experience as invaluable assets.
Meanwhile, forward Edmund Lalrindika expressed confidence in the team’s preparation under the coach. “This is our third camp with him. We understand his expectations and are looking forward to the match,” Lalrindika said.
On the opposing side, Malaysia’s coach Pau Mart, also from Barcelona, praised Manolo’s expertise. Under Mart’s guidance, Malaysia recently won the Merdeka Tournament but suffered a heavy 0-4 loss to New Zealand in October.
Match Carries High Stakes:
Though labeled as a friendly, the match holds significant importance for both teams. For India, it’s a chance to break their winless streak and build momentum ahead of the qualifiers. For Malaysia, it’s an opportunity to improve their record in away games.
“We know Malaysia’s style and expect a tough game. This match is crucial to showing the progress we’ve made in training,” Manolo concluded.
India will look to end the year on a high note, while Malaysia aims to capitalize on their strengths, setting the stage for an intense battle between two competitive sides.