Manolo Marquez: Happy with the performance and three points

Hyderabad FC clinched a 2-0 victory over East Bengal on Friday.

Hyderabad FC closed the gap to ISL table toppers Mumbai City FC by 4 points. They further strengthened their position in second, as they now sit separated by 10 points from Kerala Blasters. A 2-0 win against East Bengal, which is also the club's first win at the Salt Lake Stadium.

Hyderabad FC Coach, Manolo Marquez dissected the game and here is what he made of it: 

On the win

Manolo Marquez was quizzed on if he was satisfied with the victory away, to which he replied ‘’ Satisfied with the first half and the three points, where we could kill the game. Though the long balls of East Bengal were good and our defence had very good organization. We missed chances so the danger was there, we scored late to finish the game. I am not happy with how we played in the second half, but sometimes three points are the most important’’. 

Manolo also stressed that he has key players injured and cannot complain much ‘’ We have Javier (Siverio), Joao Victor, Kattimani, Gurmeet, Danu and now we are still close to the top and the players deserve a monument in Hyderabad’’ he concluded.

On Ogbeche’s Performance

Ogbeche who was so important for the club’s title last season has blown hot and cold in some games this season. Manolo Marquez on Ogbeche's performance said, ‘’ We have a problem as Joel is also injured but he is playing some minutes. Last season we played with Javi Siverio Number 9 and Bart behind him, but this season he has some problems and does not arrive at the ball. But of course, Bart is a very important player for the team’’ he concluded.

Thoughts on the next game against Mumbai City FC

Hyderabad faces table toppers Mumbai City in their next game, and it's a must-win game for the Nizams as they look to chase Mumbai down and win the shield at the end of the season. 

When asked about his thoughts on this crucial encounter, Manolo responded ‘’ Yes it is important but first we need to enjoy this win, the game is in two weeks and we are a young team, and we will rest in the next round. It will be a very big game and Mumbai is playing at another level. Only ATK are a big team who pushes them a bit. They are clinical and we played a very nice 3-3 against them in the first leg. We have some options but we know we play against the best team in this competition so far’’ he echoed. 

On Bart Ogbeche adapting to the instructions and long-term plans of the player.

The Head Coach was yet again quizzed on Bart and how he is adapting his game for the team this season, Manolo said ‘’I think that we are so used to Bart scoring 15 goals a season but it is difficult to achieve it consistently. Though he is still right up there in the top scorer’s list. He should have been with 8 goals and only 1 behind Cleiton, but his experience is so important’’ 

The Spaniard also stressed the importance of Javi Siverio and praised him ‘’ We have a very good number 9 who scores important goals and today he scored his fifth goal of the season. We are very happy with him and the team, but we should demand more if we want to be successful."