We Need To Improve A Lot: Indian Football Team Head Coach Manolo Marquez

Angry and disappointed with India's 0-0 draw against Bangladesh in the Asian Cup qualifying round match, head coach Manolo Marquez on Tuesday made it clear that his side needs a lot of improvement if they are to qualify for the continental showpiece. India were held to a goal-less draw by lower-ranked Bangladesh in their opening Group C match of the qualifying third round match on March 25 in Shillong, which left Marquez fuming. India are up against Hong Kong in their second match -- an away game -- on June 10. The team has started its training camp on Monday. "We need to improve a lot because I felt that the team was going forward in every FIFA window except the last," Marquez said, alluding to the match against Bangladesh.

"It's true that for the game against Bangladesh, we lost very important starting players. But it's not an excuse for our poor performance in that game," he said in a release from All India Football Federation (AIFF).

"We need to be aware that we have a difficult game in Hong Kong. We have time to prepare, to be competitive and try to win and get the three points." India are placed in Group C of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifying third round along with Bangladesh, Hong Kong and Singapore, and only the top team after six home and away matches qualifies for the continental showpiece.

Singapore and Hong Kong also played out a 0-0 draw in their opening Group C match. So, there's nothing to separate the four sides after the opening match day.

Singapore will travel to Dhaka to face Bangladesh on June 10.

"I feel that all the games are very difficult. I watched Singapore versus Hong Kong. Singapore played much better in the first half, and Hong Kong were better in the second. It was a very equal game like