Manolo Marquez calls for more crowd support in home games

The players of Hyderabad FC deserve a statue in the city, exclaims the Hyderabad FC boss after a stalemate. 

Hyderabad FC’s five-match winning streak came to an end at the G.M.C Balayogi Athletic Stadium in Hyderabad, but they ensured the unbeaten run goes on to six games, thanks to a late penalty equaliser from Bartholomew Ogbeche against Chennaiyin FC. The result means Manolo Marquez's side are second behind Mumbai City after playing a game more. 

Hyderabad FC tactician Manolo Marquez dissected the game and spoke to the mediaand here is what he made of it: 

Thoughts on the game

The Spaniard exclaimed that the best thing is Hyderabad have a point more on the table, and he went on to say, "I know people will think I'm crazy but after five wins, it is very difficult to win every game. But we are not in a good moment. The other day we won in Goa playing one of the worst games in my tenure, and it is very difficult to keep the level’’.

Hyderabad FC have had a few players injured, with captain Joao Victor still missing from the squad. Manolo added saying, "When you have injured players, I cannot help but laugh at people who think we can compete with Mumbai as we can't’’. 

‘’Defensive players can play at the same level, but it is more difficult for the offensive players to maintain it. We have Hitesh (Sharma) and (Mohammad) Yasir in bad moments and we have players who deserve a monument in Hyderabad for their work,’’ he added. 

On the half time substitution of Hitesh Sharma

Hitesh Sharma featured for only 45 minutes but the coach clarified that it was not an injury but rather a tactical change at half time. He said, ‘’He is in a bad moment. Hitesh is one of the most technical players in the team. Maybe we have to change the style and put one player with other qualities like Sahil Tavora, who I think played a good game, but we still didn't play our best and we equalized at a sporadic moment. I am very happy with Hitesh and it's his third season with us. But in some moments you cannot play always at the best level." 

Joao Victor’s Availability

On the injury front, Manolo Marquez clarified that Chinglensana Singh is fine and back to full fitness as he made the bench last evening. However, he wasn't used by the manager.

‘’Sana is waiting for his chance and Joao is in Brazil but now in the next game, I think he can play. After this game, we have a break, and he will be ready in the last five games. If not against East Bengal, Joao will certainly be ready to play against Mumbai,’’ he said.

The availability of the skipper will be a whelming news for the club and the fans. 

Objective for the last six games and on the tough away run

Hyderabad sit second on the table with six games remaining. On the objectives Manolo has for the latter stage of the season, he said, ‘’My next focus and objective is East Bengal now. I know that people speak on if we can compete with Mumbai. We are happy with the squad we have and these players deserve a monument as we were champions last season, on top this year and practically I am grateful to the crowd who come and support us. But we are in a city where there is no interest in football. Even in the I-League where a Hyderabad team (Sreenidi Deccan) is on top, they have only 300 people going to the games."

‘’Kerala, Mumbai and Kolkata have amazing crowds and here we have a few thousand people, and yet this team is competitive, and even when we are not in a good moment, I feel we are difficult to beat,’’ he finished.