Magnus Carlsen Returns to Norway Chess 2025 to Pursue Unprecedented
Hyderabad FC’s Manuel Marquez: Victory is the most important thing in these last few matches
Hyderabad FC narrowly edged out FC Goa and registered a 3-2 win at the Athletic Stadium in Goa. With this hard-fought win, they went back to the top spot in the Hero Indian Super League 2021-22 (ISL) points table. HFC head coach Manuel Marquez was satisfied and delighted with the victory. However, he wasn’t fully satisfied with the team’s performance on the night.
It was an eventful first half and the period saw three goals, which included a brace for Bartholomew Ogbeche, Jorge Ortiz also scored for FC Goa, meaning that HFC went into the break with a one-goal cushion. Joao Victor scored in the second half and restored Hyderabad FC’s two-goal cushion in the 70th minute. Devendra Murgaonkar got a goal back for the Gaurs but in the end, it was not enough to overturn the result.
Head Coach Manuel Marquez addressed the media after the match.
Here are some excerpts from the post-match press conference:
It looked like an easy victory once Ogbeche scored, but how tough did FC Goa make it?
In the last games now the important thing is the victory because if we spoke about other things I’m not happy with our game. We defended very badly. Maybe we know that they have very good players, but I think that we defend the worst in the championship. But of course, I repeat at this moment the important thing is the three points and continue fighting for the top four which is close, but still three games with very good opponents now.
How crucial is immediately grabbing back the first place after dropping down to the second?
I know that we are on top but it’s not the real table because when COVID canceled some games and the championship has 11 teams then there is one team who rests every round and we have one game more than some teams, one game less than another then, of course, we are on top. We are very happy. I think that the season is fantastic for Hyderabad FC and now we need to finish the competition in the top four. At this moment, the goal is to finish in the top four for the first time in the history of Hyderabad FC.
Today you had less possession of the ball. How did the team react to it?
When you play against FC Goa, usually they have the ball. I think that our team if we compare with last season, we have less possession but for example, today was another game where we scored without creating many chances and I think that I repeat I’m not happy with the game but I’m very happy with the win of course and maybe I don’t reply your question but is about now. The important thing is to win the game
What are your thoughts on Ogbeche scoring 50 goals in the league?
Yes, he scored two goals today. I think he’s a very good striker for our team. I think that is okay, maybe today I am negative when I am speaking but, I think that all the team from Kattimani to the last player, are playing at a very very high level, if not it would be impossible to be on top when you are finishing the competition.