Juan Pedro Benali is one of the best coaches in ISL, claims Manolo Marquez

Manolo Marquez spoke about NorthEast United’s organised gameplay as well.

FC Goa played out a 1-1 draw with NorthEast United FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium on Friday in the ISL 2023-24. Despite going in front in the 20th minute via Noah Sadaoui’s cross and Carlos Martinez’s header Goa faltered only six minutes later. A rejuvenated Highlanders contingent led by starboy Parthib Gogoi emerged shortly afterward as the winger whipped in a brilliant ball for Jithin MS to awkwardly knee it home.

Goa’s Spanish manager Manolo Marquez attended the post-match press conference to answer the media. Exceprts are below:

Thoughts on the game

FC Goa started well but NorthEast United were easily the more motivated side. Technical difficulties apart, the Gaurs also suffered from a lack of drive. The manager noted all of this as he mentioned:

“Today, I think we need to do self-criticism. The coach is the first who has to do that because I think the players were not focused in the first half. In the second half, in terms of effort and attitude, they were very good. But this particularly was one of the games where we created fewer chances in the competition. As usual when you don’t play a good game, it’s very difficult to finish or to play ten games and not lose a single one.”

He added, “Everyone expected that it’d be very good if we won this game but finally, the opponent played commendably well. My opinion is that NorthEast (United FC) is one of the teams with a better organsation in terms of how they play. They have a very good attitude, and as I reiterated in every interview, I think Juan Pedro (Benali) is the best coach in ISL. For sure he is one of the best. They already have 12 points. We are okay now because Kerala has two more games, but 24 points in 10 games is very good.” 

On conceding goals and the defence looking seemingly more open

FC Goa’s defence looked shaky compared to the spirited Highlanders who put in a magnificent shift. On one instance goalie Arshdeep Singh spilled the ball to Jithin MS who unfortunately for his side, missed a sitter. The mentor gave some detailed insights into the shortcomings of his team as he explained:

“Yes they played the same system that they played in Bangalore; the 4-4-2 diamond. They pressed very well because they didn’t allow us to play outside and they created a block in the middle. Then when there is a pass in the middle, it is very dangerous as they recover the ball and can go on counters. We were not clinical with our actions in the first half. In the second half, we were more clear but only till the final third.

“In the box, nobody was there because Noah (Sadaoui) was outside the box all the time, and Carlos (Martinez) dropped out of position. The wingers, Udanta (Singh Kumam) and Boris (Singh) were not very deep. It was a difficult game because the other team played aggressively. Even in set-piece situations, it wasn’t our day today. In games like these, all you need to solve the situation is a corner or a free-kick. But finally, in my opinion, despite us having more possession, it was a fair result,” he added.

Whether the absence of Victor Rodriguez caused an issue

Victor Rodriguez had a short but eventful cameo in the 4-1 victory over Mohun Bagan as the winger scored a beautiful goal but went limping off the field. After medical scan results came out, the Spaniard was declared injured for the remainder of the season. The tactician however gave an instance and shared how this is a part and parcel of the game and no reason to crib. He claimed:

“In football, this is a very common thing. I remember when we landed in Bangalore, people said you didn’t have Noah and Brandon. Nobody remembered that in the former game without Noah and with Brandon getting substituted due to injury, we turned the score against East Bengal. This is football. Now, Victor (Rodriguez) is a great player, everyone knows this.”

He added, “We have to search for a replacement for him because he won’t be with us for the rest of the season. That’s all. One more point and a good break for the team. Players will leave to play for the national team and there are the Super Cup games as well, but finally, this is a competition and this is what a regular season looks like. We need to progress when we come back for the training sessions.”

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