Hyderabad FC coach Manolo Marquez feels team needs to show more character in upcoming games

The Nizams welcome the Red & Gold Brigade in their next fixture.

Hyderabad FC is set to play East Bengal FC in their next Indian Super League 2022-23 match. The reigning ISL Trophy winners are favourites to secure three points on paper. However, the expectations are bigger this year from Manolo Marquez’s men and that can affect performance.

The Nizams head into the upcoming fixture on the back of an impressive win against Chennaiyin FC away from home. Manolo Marquez will hope to guide the team and keep the players focused. He told the reporters that there is still room for improvement in his team in a media interaction ahead of the game alongside young sensation, Rohit Danu.

Here are the excerpts from the conversation with Manolo Marquez and Rohit Danu ahead of HFC vs EBFC in the ISL 2022-23:

Satisfied with results

While talking about the start of the season, Marquez expressed satisfaction. “When you win one game, it helps the team. Of course, we needed to win again and finally, we got it. It was very important, three points more. We are with 19 points, in a good position. I think in terms of results, we can be satisfied.” he said.

“Every game is the same. After two defeats, everything was negative and now we won again and all seems to be very nice. When we finish one game, the score is not important. We have to start again in a new week with a good position, with hard work because we know how this competition is very equal.” the tactician further added in the context.

Praise for East Bengal FC

The Spaniard also praised the upcoming opponents. Suggesting that they can challenge for a top-six finish, he said, “I think that they have a very good team and a very good coach. It is a team that plays with a lot of order, with a very dangerous counterattack, with good players on the flank and attack. They defend with an order but the problem of East Bengal is that they start very late every season. In my last two seasons, they finished the last position. Now, I think that they will be fighting to arrive in the top six.”

Room for improvement

Despite a win in the last match, Manolo Marquez believes his team can do better. “I am happy, I can be happier but after two defeats you can see the good teams after bad results. This is the moment that you show your character, personality or your mentality. I am satisfied because we won the game but I have the feeling that the team can play better.” the head coach explained.

Rohit Danu on making his first appearance

The youngster featured against CFC after a long spell on the sidelines. Talking about his time out due to injury, Danu said, “At that time (when one is injured) you have to be strong, your mentality has to be strong. You know your body, and how it works. So believing in yourself and how you bounce back from the injury is the main. I was mentally strong and I know whenever I come I’ll bounce back stronger and I felt good when I played against Chennaiyin FC.”

“East Bengal is a very good side. We are also prepared and very focused. The players are very positive and ready after the last victory that we had.” he said in the context of the upcoming opponents.