Manolo Marquez provides big update on Victor Rodriguez replacement

The FC Goa tactician feels Juan Pedro Benali is one of the best coaches in ISL.

FC Goa will face NorthEast United at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Guwahati in the ISL tomorrow. The Manolo Marquez-led side have been in scintillating form this season, winning seven out of nine games and drawing the other two.

Their unbeaten record as well as games in hand mean they have a significant advantage over their opponents, who despite having a better record than last season, are still 12 points adrift. FC Goa’s head coach attended the pre-match press conference and shared his insights with the media ahead of this year’s final clash.

On Victor Rodriguez being ruled out for the remainder of the season

Spanish winger Victor Rodriguez featured in the exciting 4-1 win over Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the Gaurs’ last fixture, scoring a beautiful goal after an excellent one-two with Carl McHugh. However, the forward showed signs of wear and tear and went off at half-time only to be declared out for the rest of the season.

The head coach said, “He is for me one of the best players in the ISL. He’s maybe one of our best players, if not the best and we’re on top. So, obviously it means he’s also a top player who was in excellent form. He’s very clever because he understands the game better than most and what he has to do in different situations. I’ve known him for a long time now as I was his coach 12 years ago for two seasons. 

“The worst thing in a player’s career is injury. It is a pity but in modern football, these things happen. In India, this season, there are like seven ACL (injuries) and it’s the same all across the world. Maybe, something has to change. I know football is a more physical game that we play in a small space and the actions are fast. Finally, it’s all part of the game; bans, injuries.”

On looking for a replacement and the difficulties involved

Finding a replacement for an injured player in football is no easy task and that too in the middle of the season. Across the entire world, even the biggest teams struggle with this task and more so if the player involved is someone whose contribution to the squad is as crucial as Rodriguez’s.

Manolo Marquez shared his thoughts on the same, as he stated, “It is difficult because sometimes to find a player in the middle of the season isn’t easy. We have to check whether they are playing or free players. We know the quality of Victor too. You have to consider a lot of things. 

“For example, if he has played in the ISL before. Speaking out of personal experience, I remember in my second season, I signed Bart Ogbeche, Juanan, who played in the ISL before. Even Khassa Camara. But, the conditions are very different now and I think we are in a nice place. I think it’s easier for us if I compare it with other teams. 

On the importance of staying focused

Its natural for players focus to drift after getting some significant results. Especially when the sides concerned are last year’s league title and league trophy winners.

The Spanish coach however mentioned the importance of consistency, as he quipped, “Yes, we spoke about it yesterday. I remember after the last break when the national team played their World Cup qualifier games in Kuwait and Qatar. We have five games and we need to go game by game. Now, we’re thinking we have to do 12, 13, nine and then win the games at home. First is game-by-game and second is that a lot of times what happens is that you think that now that you’ve won at Kolkata and drawn at Mumbai, the other games will be easier. 

“But, that’s not true and in my opinion, we will face one of the best coaches in the ISL at this moment. They are practically playing the same team, with the same young Indian players. Even (Romain) Phillippoteaux was there last season, but they already have more than double the points they had last season. They are very competitive and they prepare very well.

“It will be a very difficult game and we know that. But we of course, need to be focussed and if we are there is every possibility that we will win.”

On this game being a morale-booster before going into the break

FC Goa will face NorthEast United for this year’s last game and head into the break right afterward. On being asked whether a win would heighten their spirits, the mentor replied:

“Yes, this is the reason. It’s always a good feeling to go into the breaks after winning the former games. It’s indeed difficult to keep winning. But, I feel that the team is in good form and this win is going to be very important because 26 points are a lot of points. 23 points are a lot too, but if we get to win in this game it would be an important step because I think we will be the first to play after the break.”

On how difficult it is to motivate the players

As Johan Cruyff rightly said, ‘You play football with your head and your legs are there to help you.’ However, it speaks more about the mental side of the game, keeping yourself motivated and ready to give your 100% which is easier when you’re already winning.

The head coach resonated with this idea as he stated, “It’s easy but only for me because you can push the players in this moment when they have a positive mentality and open mindset. But, for the other part, it’s always the same. Try to find the correct point; not too up, not too down. Even the players will be like okay after the game we’ll go home and we’ll rest but no. After the game, we’ll train and we’ll work hard. You can do what you want but relaxing in this moment is forbidden.”

On new player incomings 

The January transfer window is only a few days away and right around the corner. But even with one crucial forward down, Manolo Marquez believes FC Goa can do it as he concluded, “It’s true that I do not believe too much in finding players in the middle of the season, especially when our team is in such good form. But, obviously, if there is a good chance for us, we have to try to do it. I’m very glad and satisfied with the squad we have.

“I was watching our game from Durand Cup against NorthEast United and my feeling is that our improvement has been significant. Now their mentality is very positive. I remember there was a coach who said, ‘When everything is working sometimes it’s better not to touch anything.’ But sometimes it is not the decision of just the coach and the decision of the club too.”

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