Mumbai, Sep 23: A new chapter is taking shape at Mumbai City FC as the Islanders step up preparations for the 2026-27 Indian Super League season under new Head Coach Manolo Márquez.
The ongoing pre-season has seen the squad work on tactical structures, physical conditioning and Márquez’s footballing philosophy, while also allowing the players to adapt to a new coaching setup and establish playing principles that will define the team’s campaign.
For Márquez, the period is also about building a common understanding of how he wants Mumbai City to approach games.
Manolo Márquez, Head Coach, Mumbai City FC, said:
“Pre-season is a very important period because it gives us the opportunity to work on many aspects of our game and, most importantly, for the players to understand what we want from them. We are working on our physical condition, our tactical ideas and the relationships between the players. The attitude and commitment from the squad have been positive, and now we want to continue building a strong foundation for the season.”
For the players, the arrival of a new head coach brings a fresh challenge as the squad adapts to Márquez’s methods and expectations. Midfielder Brandon Fernandes believes the group has responded positively to the change and is using the pre-season to prepare for the demands of the campaign ahead.
Brandon Fernandes, Midfielder, Mumbai City FC, said:
“It is a new beginning for us and we are enjoying the process of working with Coach Manolo. He has a lot of experience in Indian football, and we are learning his ideas and understanding what he expects from us. There is a lot of ambition within the group and we want to compete at the top and fight for trophies. But right now, the focus is on working hard every day, improving as a team and making sure we are ready for the start of the season.”
With the Indian Super League 2026-27 season set to begin on October 10, 2026, the Islanders will continue their pre-season preparations in the coming weeks as Márquez and his coaching staff look to build a cohesive squad and lay the foundations for a competitive campaign.