‘Pre-season of Mumbai City FC was a joke’: Ex-India coach Manolo Marquez after MCFC’s loss in ISL 2026-27

Manolo Marquez, who has previously managed the Indian men’s national team, joined Mumbai City this summer from FC Goa. | Photo Credit: ISL Media

Mumbai City head coach Manolo Marquez came down heavily on his team’s preparations for the Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 season, calling it an ‘absolute joke’.

Marquez, who has previously managed the Indian men’s national team, joined Mumbai City this summer from FC Goa, but had a forgettable outing at his former home ground. Gaurav Bora and Sebastián Gutiérrez scored for Churchill Brothers as the Goan side beat the Islanders 2-1 in their first-round match at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao on Sunday.

“Our pre-season was a joke. The club was not able to organise a single strong game. All these games we played were a lie. This was our first game with a strong side, and we lost unfortunately,” Marquez reportedly told broadcasters after the match.

Mumbai City is looking for a new era under the Spanish tactician a season after the club parted ways with the City Football Group. Marquez, who won the ISL Cup with Hyderabad FC in 2022, also inspired the Gaurs to the 2025 Super Cup title.

The Islanders travel to New Delhi next to face Punjab FC at the Nehru Stadium on October 19.

Published on Oct 11, 2026

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