We want to win Durand Cup, states Manolo Marquez

The head coach begins his reign at FC Goa after three successful years with Hyderabad FC.

On the 2nd of June, FC Goa officially announced Manolo Marquez as their head coach. Having previously served as the manager of Hyderabad FC for three seasons, Marquez brings a wealth of experience to his new role. As a former defender, he has a deep understanding of the game and is well-acquainted with Indian football, having been associated with the league for several years.

Recently, he engaged in a virtual roundtable conference with the media sharing his thoughts and plans for the upcoming season. 

Manolo Marquez on the pre-season

Manolo Marquez spoke about his first few weeks at FC Goa, “When you arrive at a new club, you have to know the players, the players have to know you, how we work, the things that we want, how are the qualities and conditions of everyone, of every player. I think that the pre-season is okay, it’s in the correct way.” 

He also stressed the importance of the Durand Cup, “It’s an important tournament, we know, because it’s a very traditional tournament, not only in India, in Asia too!” 

On targets for the upcoming Durand Cup 

Marquez stated that the goal of entering the tournament is to win and try to play as many matches as possible, “We want to win. If we can win the title, if not, we want to play maximum games as possible,” he said.

On new signings 

With the club having made nine new signings so far this season, the tactician stated how more signings are now the norm in football. “In modern football, every team changes. 12, 13, 14, 15 or more players in a season.” Marquez did stress how so many signings can create a challenge. He said, “The problem finally is that when you are with a lot of new players, you have to play the same style altogether and this takes time.”

Hefty expectations on his shoulders 

Manolo Marquez said that high expectations are good. He asserted, “This (expectations) is fantastic. If the fans don’t expect a good season, better that you stay at home.” He also stressed the importance of having a good crowd coming in to watch them play, saying, “The fans, finally we play for them. When you play without a crowd, it’s not football for me. We play for them.” 

Marquez on the difficulty level of the Durand Cup group

When suggested that FC Goa have an easy group, Marquez was very quick to suggest that it is far from an easy group.

“Are you speaking seriously? We play against NorthEast. For me, our group is not one of the easiest groups.” He also pointed out how the so-called ‘smaller’ teams have more to prove: “I think that with all due respect, smaller teams are very motivated when they play against these kinds of teams.”

Marquez on having Goan players in the squad

Manolo Marquez drew parallels between FC Goa and his time managing in Spain on how the culture matched. “Yes, it’s true that in every part of the world, I have the same characteristics in every place in Spain. I know that in Goa, with the weather, with the football culture, the players like all the exercises with the ball.”

He also stated how the players preferred sessions with the ball as compared to tactical work, “They prefer every exercise with the ball more than tactically. It’s normal.” 

He also put forward his opinion that style is important but winning is the ultimate goal, “It’s true that we want to play very good football, but I want to win.” 

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