Manolo Marquez: More satisfied with strong mentality than clean sheets

The Nizams are on a strong run of five wins in a row.

Hyderabad FC will play Kerala Blasters in their upcoming Indian Super League 2022-23 fixture. The match will take place at the G.M.C. Balayogi Athletic Stadium, Hyderabad, on Saturday. It is the first match of the season between the two teams that met in the ISL final of the 2021-22 season. Back then, Manolo Marquez and co won the fixture on penalties to create history.

Heading into the upcoming fixture, the Nizams have the upper hand as they have won five of their first six games in the current season. As for Ivan Vukomanovic, securing three points against the defending champions would be a major positive.

Hyderabad FC’s brilliant tactician Manolo Marquez and in-form winger Halicharan Narzary took part in an interaction with the media before the game. Here are the excerpts from the conversation.

A difficult game

Manolo Marquez does not underestimate the upcoming opponents and believes it will be a tough game.

He said, “The work in the week has been very similar to the previous week and the former weeks. We know that we play against a very good team. But practically, every week, every game is very difficult. We know this is the same game as the final last season and we know that they arrive at a good moment after two consecutive wins. I am sure that it will be a difficult game for both sides.” 

On defensive solidity

Manolo Marquez acknowledges his defence’s decent performances of late. However, he also notes that teams had chances to score against them in the previous matches. He said, “It is true that it is five consecutive clean sheets, but it is also true that the opponents had chances to score in every game. Even FC Goa missed a penalty. But, this is normal in football.

He continued, "The normal thing is you receive one or two or three chances and if the other team did not get to score, then you are happy because it is a clean sheet. Last season it was the opposite. We were on top and practically we were conceding one goal in every game. It is true that when you do not concede a goal, it is impossible that you lose.”

“Teams that finish in the highest part of the table usually do not concede goals. This is not our main target. We can play better. The thing is that, against Mumbai, the team reacted very well (after conceding). This is a strong mentality and I am more satisfied with this than clean sheets,” he added. 

On Bartholomew Ogbeche’s scoring form

Bartholomew Ogbeche was the top-scorer in the league last season. However, the Nigerian has only two goals and one assist in the first six fixtures. Talking about the lack of goals from Ogbeche, Marquez said, “I prefer to have Bart in my team than the opponent team. I am convinced that he will score goals during the season.”

Halicharan Narzary on feeling confident

Halicharan Narzary talked about wanting to do more to be amongst the goals. He said, “Yes, the confidence is there. I am trying to give my best and score more goals. I have already played a few games on this ground. I'm working hard to get on the scoresheet more.”

On helping youngsters

On the topic of helping younger players in the team, Halicharan said, “Whenever we are training on the ground, the senior players say that one should not be demoralised after making mistakes. One or two mistakes do not matter. One should continue to look forward. If one keeps trying, things will turn out okay. There is an emphasis on discipline, eating well and getting a lot of rest. That’s very important.”

“Our preparation is going well for the match against Kerala Blasters. They are a strong team but we will focus on our own playing style, one that Hyderabad plays,” he further added in the context of preparation ahead of the clash with KBFC.