# Manolo Marquez calls Mumbai City pre-season 'joke'

> Ex-India coach Manolo Marquez says Mumbai City FC's ISL 2026-27 pre-season was a joke after loss to Churchill Brothers.
- Title: Manolo Marquez calls Mumbai City pre-season 'joke' · Sportstar
- Summary: Ex-India coach Manolo Marquez says Mumbai City FC's ISL 2026-27 pre-season was a joke after loss to Churchill Brothers. Mumbai City FC's pre-season was a…
- Keywords: manolo marquez, mumbai city fc, indian super league, churchill brothers, isl 2026-27, jawaharlal nehru stadium, margao, sports, Manolo, Marquez, calls, Mumbai
- Source: Sportstar — https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/indian-football/manolo-marquez-mumbai-city-coach-on-mcfc-pre-season-after-loss-to-churchill-brothers-isl-2026-27/article71572606.ece
- Author: Team Sportstar
- Published: 2026-10-11T17:09:15+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: manolo marquez, mumbai city fc, indian super league, churchill brothers, isl 2026-27, jawaharlal nehru stadium, margao, sports
## Manolo Marquez
Ex-India coach Manolo Marquez joined Mumbai City FC for ISL 2026-27 season.
## Pre-season criticism
Marquez called Mumbai City's pre-season 'an absolute joke' after loss to Churchill Brothers.
## Match result
Churchill Brothers beat Mumbai City 2-1 in ISL 2026-27 opener.
## Marquez's comments
Marquez said pre-season had no strong games and team lost to strong side.

> 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
## Next match
Mumbai City faces Punjab FC at Nehru Stadium on October 19.
## Key takeaway

Mumbai City FC's pre-season was a joke according to ex-India coach Manolo Marquez after losing to Churchill Brothers in ISL 2026-27.