Manolo Marquez: We created more chances and deserved to win

Manolo Marquez heaped praise upon goal-scorer Rowllin Borges and goalkeeper Arshdeep Singh.

The Fatorda Stadium witnessed a top of the table clash as FC Goa hosted Kerala Blasters on a Super Sunday. The Gaurs continued their fine run of form and clinched a hard fought 1-0 victory against the Blasters.

With this win, FC Goa are now at the summit with 19 points to their name. A late first-half goal from Rowllin Borges was the only difference between the two sides. After the game, FC Goa’s head coach Manolo Marquez addressed the media. Excerpts from the conversation are below.

Back on top of the table

FC Goa are now back at the top of table. Sharing his thoughts on the same Manolo said that it is always nice to be at the top.

“It’s always nice to check the table and see that the team is on top. The table is not real because there are teams who have played different numbers of games.”

He highlighted that his team needs to keep going and prepare for their upcoming game.

“The only thing that is real is that we have only lost two points in the league and only Mohun Bagan Super Giant can surpass us. We need to keep going and we have a very difficult game next week against Mumbai City FC,” he asserted.

Thoughts on Rowllin Borges

Rowllin Borges’ first-half strike helped FC Goa clinch all three points. Sharing his thoughts on the midfielder, the head coach said, “Rowllin is an experienced player. He has played and scored goals at NorthEast (United), he won the title and the shield with Mumbai City FC. And he even scored goals during the pre-season. He’s a very good player.”

Thoughts on his side’s performance

When asked about his side’s performance, Manolo Marquez said that he was happy with his side’s performance because they played against a difficult team.

“I’m happy because we faced a very good team, especially in attack. They have top players like Kwame Keprah, Adrian Luna and Rahul KP. In set-pieces, they are very dangerous. They didn’t create a lot of chances. We created more chances and deserved to win the game.”

He also mentioned that his team needs to improve in some aspects.

“I feel we need to improve in some aspects. We defended well, but the style of Goa is not this. But, I feel we can play better with the ball. I’m very satisfied with the players who came in the second half because it’s not easy,” he stated.

Arshdeep Singh’s performance

Arshdeep Singh put in a brilliant performance under the sticks for FC Goa. Sharing his views on his goalkeeper, the Spaniard said, “Arshdeep is playing very good. I think that I am not fair with Dheeraj Singh because he is also a great goalkeeper. We have a good goalkeeper for the future in Hrithik Tiwari.

“Arshdeep is very good with our style of play. He is always ready to play outside the box. And when you don’t concede goals, you get more confidence. It won’t be fair if I drop Arshdeep as he is playing very well,” he signed off.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.