FC Goa coach Manolo Marquez fears Sandesh Jhingan out with long-term injury

The tactician also shared his thoughts on current situation at Hyderabad FC.

FC Goa are on the road for their upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) fixture against Hyderabad FC on 1st February 2024 at the GMC Balayogi Stadium. It is going to be a special occasion for Manolo Marquez, head coach of the Gaurs, as he will return to Hyderabad where he built a legacy, and brought success to the club which is crumbling after his departure. 

The Spaniard spoke candidly in the pre-match press conference ahead of the fixture and was joined by former Hyderabad FC player Mohammad Yasir who recently joined FC Goa for the remainder of the 2023-24 season. He confirmed that a conversation with Marquez was crucial in deciding his next destination.

Furthermore, the tactician expects the second leg of the season to be difficult and called for his team to stay focused on the challenges ahead. Here are the excerpts from the conversation with the media:

Manolo Marquez on facing his former side Hyderabad FC

Manolo Marquez expressed sadness on what has transpired at his former club Hyderabad FC in the last few months with the outfit getting a transfer ban and not paying their staff overdue salaries.

In this regard, he said, “My feeling is different than I had five or six months ago. I am very sad about the situation at Hyderabad FC. A lot of people who worked hard in the club are in a difficult situation because they have not received their salaries for a long time, not only the players but the staff too. Even the players and staff who are no longer at HFC now (have not received their payments) and it is a big problem for them. They are always talking about new investors but nobody believes it.”

“I am very sad because, in football, it is very difficult to build things and very easy to destroy. This is what is happening now at Hyderabad FC but we have to play and it won’t be an easy game. Our main target is to get the three points,” the tactician further added.

On Sandesh Jhingan’s injury

Sandesh Jhingan picked up an injury during his international duty playing for India at the 2023 AFC Asian Cup which could be a huge blow for FC Goa in the ISL. Speaking on the severity of Jhingan’s injury, Marquez said, “We are waiting on another opinion but the feeling that it is going to be a long-term injury. We will need to sign another player because we do not have a lot of defenders in the squad. It is better to wait until the last moment.”

Chances of Borja Herrera starting

Manolo Marquez gave an update on whether new signing Borja Herrera, who joins from East Bengal FC, will feature for the Gaurs against the Nizams. He said, “He can be but if he will be (available), he will be on the bench. He played two days ago in the final of the Super Cup and trained yesterday in a recovery session. If we have 21 players available, he (Herrera) won’t travel (with the squad).” 

Mohammad Yasir on returning to FC Goa

Mohammad Yasir returns to FC Goa and the winger cannot wait to contribute to the club’s success in the remainder of the 2023-24 season. Here is what he had to say on his return to the club after seven years, ”Earlier I played for the developmental team, now I am back again which is a good feeling for me. The coach (Marquez) worked for three years with me and I wanted to continue with him so I got the opportunity to play with him (again). FC Goa has been doing well this season so far, that is why I wanted to continue here.” 

“It is the first time we have seen something like this, it has been a little difficult for us and Hyderabad FC. They have a good team and have been doing well for the last three years. This year too, the young players are good as well.” he said while speaking about the troubles at Hyderabad FC.

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