Manolo Marquez: I like Chennaiyin FC's style of play

The Hyderabad FC head coach believes it will be a tough game for both sides.

Hyderabad FC host Chennaiyin FC in their next Indian Super League (ISL 2022-23) game. The fixture will take place at the G.M.C. Balayogi Athletic Stadium, in Hyderabad, on Thursday. It is the first home game for Manolo Marquez's side this year and they will aim to secure three points when the ball starts rolling.

The visitors are under pressure to perform and keep their hopes alive for playoffs qualification. As for the hosts, a win will ensure they stay firmly in the top two positions (and will make them league leaders for the time being). Manolo Marquez believes that his team needs to do more of the same to ensure a win when they take the field against the Marina Machans. 

He spoke to the media in the pre-match press conference and defender Abdul Rabeeh also joined him to present his views. Here are the excerpts from the conversation:

Expecting a difficult game

Games against Chennaiyin FC are hard to predict and the tactician is not taking them lightly. “It is always good to play in front of your people in the stadium, and I expect a very difficult game because Chennaiyin FC are a good team and they are in a position where they need to win. They are close to sixth place even after playing a game less than the other clubs,” the head coach said on the occasion of facing CFC at home.

“I think Chennaiyin FC are a team that risks a lot, and I like the style that they have. They have improved in the last few games. We expect a difficult, tough game, but it is for both teams,” he added.

Different styles of the teams

Talking about Hyderabad FC’s 3-1 win away from home against FC Goa, Manolo Marquez believes that there was a lack of understanding of the opponent’s gameplay which led to difficulties for his team.

“Every opponent has a different style of play and we did not understand or I was not able to explain enough of how FC Goa plays. For the first 55-60 minutes, we did not appear (seemed invisible on the pitch) in Goa. But after they equalised, we could finally play and manage the game well. All the teams are tough opponents. There are a lot of different styles in the league.”

Need to keep going

The Hyderabad FC maestro thinks that his team must continue to perform as they have done, in order to finish in the top two. He said, “In terms of results, we are very happy. In some years, people will remember these players. We have to keep going and continue because there are seven games plus playoffs (to go) because I think playoffs are practically 100% (assured). We have to finish if we can, at the top of the top two. If you finish third or fourth, with the new rule, you have to play one game more.”

Abdul Rabeeh on his performances and helpful seniors

Youngster Abdul Rabeeh is delighted with the game-time he is receiving and also had praise for the senior members of the team for their helping nature. He said, “I am very happy to get some minutes. I hope I am doing well and can help more in the upcoming games too. We are all a family here and they (senior players) help me in everything and give me the confidence to play.”