We expect a tough game against OFC, asserts Manolo Marquez

The Spaniard also talked about team selection among other topics.

Hyderabad FC take on Odisha FC in a mouthwatering top of the table clash, with the winner going to the top of the table of the ISL. Ahead of the crucial encounter, Hyderabad FC Manager Manolo Marquez and Sahil Tavora spoke to the media. 

Thoughts on the game and the team's preparations

Manolo Marquez expects the game to be a difficult one and acknowledges the progress of Odisha FC this season. ‘’They are a very strong side, we know that and expect a tough game, in my first season they finished last and last season they were fighting to enter the top 4 in the end, this season they are playing very well and will be a difficult game." He did not shy away to conclude that it will also be a difficult game for the away side. 

On the top of the table clash and expectations from the game

The Spaniard said that he expects Odisha to attack and they will be a tough nut to crack tomorrow. ‘’ I think we are beginning of the season but the style of Odisha is to more attack than defend, they will try to attack and they are a tactically complete team and they have a lot of order in defense.’’

He expects a very good game and says that he also wants his team to attack and play a attacking game. "It will be a very good game as we want to win too, we will not enter the pitch and only defend, in my opinion it will be a good game for the crowd,’’ he noted. 

On if longer gaps between games affect momentum or help the teams

Manolo Marquez said that any team can beat anyone on any given day in this competition and does not see a reason for longer gaps to affect momentum. ‘’I think every game is different, all the teams can beat you if you are not focused and in this competition everything is equal, we also have examples from last season where teams played after 6 games and lost when they played teams who played only 3 days before."

On the danger men in the Odisha team and plans for them

Manolo Marquez answered that every player is dangerous and can prove a threat to the home team and he feels there are too many players to keep an eye out for. ‘’No, I think that they are more a good team with good players, I can tell you about Diego Mauricio, Jerry, Isaac but also the center backs and the goalkeeper is good, I think they have very good players and coaches and they are one of the teams who will fight for the top 4,’’ he aserted. 

On how difficult it is to win consecutive games

‘’Very hard because I told before we played the last game, I said I do not like that we play 3 consecutive games at home and 3 is difficult, but we have won our last 2 and these are the fixtures and we have to play at home and we are really happy to play in front of the crowd and its a great feeling.’’ The Spaniard said that he will relish the challenge and hopes the crowd support at home can give The Nizams another win.

On the selection dilemma of a fully fit squad

It is a managers dream to have a fully fit squad says Manolo in response to this question. ‘’Typical question and a typical answer no, this is a best thing for a coach and to have all the players available for the game.’’ He further added that everyone except Rohit Danu are fit and available for selection tomorrow. 

On the home crowd

Manolo said that to continue getting the fans to come to the games, the club has to win more games and deliver more silverware than only last season's ISL and as long as the club is winning the crowd will continue to support and pack the stadiums. ‘’If we are winning the crowd will continue to come to the stadium and if we want football to grow in hyderabad we need to consistently perform and we were champions last season but it's not enough, we need to do more and more good seasons,’’ he concluded.

Sahil Tavora on being the most used substitute

Sahil laughingly answered that he is happy to contribute and help the team whenever he gets the opportunity whether it's from the bench or start. ‘’I think this is a question for the coach but I am happy to help the team whenever I get the opportunity weather its from the bench or from the start, but I try to help whenever I go in and that's my job and I am ready to do what the coach wants me to do,’’ he asserted.

Sahil Tavora on the challenges against Odisha FC and the Hyderabad crowd

Sahil also like Manolo expects a tough game from the away side and he says that they started the season very well and expects a good game, but remains confident that if the home team execute their plans they can come out of the game with a win. 

On the Hyderabad crowd he said, ‘’Of course the first 2 games we got a great reception from them, the last 2 years we have not played here, so playing in front of them is a pleasure and I hope they continue to support us,’’ he concluded.

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