Difficult but still in with a chance, says Manolo Marquez of Hyderabad FC's ISL Shield hopes

The Nizams are seven points behind leaders Mumbai City with a game in hand.

Hyderabad FC travel to the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneshwar on Friday to face Odisha FC. The reigning Indian Super League (ISL) champions will aim to secure three points on the road. Manolo Marquez has delivered success once again this year, securing playoffs after a sensational season.

Hyderabad will enter the upcoming game with an eye to seal their spot in the top two and ensure a direct spot in the semi-final of the 2022-23 ISL playoffs. However, HFC’s head coach is aware of OFC’s quality on paper and will not let complacency take its root.

He spoke to the media ahead of the game. Manoj Mohammad was also in attendance at the press conference and answered questions. Here are the excerpts from the conversation:

Expecting a tough game

Manolo Marquez spoke positively about Odisha FC and acknowledged their strengths. He said, “Odisha FC are fighting for a place in the top six. They are a strong team when they play at home as we have seen so far this season and we know we will face a really strong side.”

“We expect to face a difficult team. Saul Crespo is one of the best midfielders in the competition. They have a good goalkeeper and a very good coach. Odisha FC are playing better compared to the last two seasons. They are improving every season since I arrived in India,” the tactician added.

Praise for Hitesh Sharma

Manolo Marquez showered Hitesh Sharma with praise during the conversation. The midfielder scored the equalizer against Mumbai City FC which earned HFC a point. Speaking in favour of Sharma, Marquez said, “I love players who understand the game. Hitesh Sharma is now stronger physically and for me is one of the best midfielders in the league. If he adds goals to his game then he will be even more complete. He is a player who understands the game very quickly.”

Difficult to win the ISL Shield

Hyderabad FC have an outside chance to overtake Mumbai City FC and win the ISL Shield as table toppers. However, for that to happen, the Islanders must lose two of their three fixtures and the Nizams must win all of their remaining ones. “There are five teams fighting for four spots and one team will miss out. It's very difficult. That's why we are happy with our players as we have already qualified and are still in the race for the ISL Shield although it's very difficult,” the Spaniard said in this particular context.

Manoj Mohammad on the preparations

The defender gave some insights into how the team is approaching the game and if there will be plans to contain any individuals in the OFC lineup. He said, “We prepare match by match. We are working hard and we hope to win it. We don't focus on just one player, we look at the whole team. Football is a team game and we will plan to stop them as a team.”