FC Goa head coach Manolo Marquez opens up after winning ACL 2 group stage spot

FC Goa defeated Oman’s Al Seeb 2-1 to claim the ACL 2 berth.

After winning the Super Cup, FC Goa continued their winning streak under head coach Manolo Márquez by defeating Oman’s Al Seeb 2–1 on Wednesday, 13th August, as they secured a place in the AFC Champions League Two group stage.

This victory at Fatorda Stadium against Al Seeb is the club’s first continental appearance since 2021 and further highlights the impact of Manolo Marquez for FC Goa.

Manolo Márquez reflects on FC Goa's historic win over Al-Seeb to reach the AFC Champions League Two group stage 🗣️Watch full-match replay on👉 https://t.co/ATNzQqZHeL#IndianFootball #FCGoa #Football #KhelNow pic.twitter.com/ZCdolQriK8

— Khel Now (@KhelNow) August 13, 2025

FC Goa’s head coach, Manolo Marquez, addressed the press after this historic game against Al Seeb. The Spaniard talked about their opponents and the refereeing decisions after the AFC Champions League 2 fixture.

Also Read: FC Goa vs Al Seeb Highlights: Watch AFC Champions League 2 Playoff replay

What were Manolo’s thoughts on the team’s performance and the game?

FC Goa exhibited a balanced performance combining attacking moves with good defending. Their first half’s momentum was rewarded with Dejan Drazic’s opener which gave them the lead, while Siverio’s header early in the second half showed their aerial attacking skills. Even after conceding a goal, the Gaurs managed the game well, limiting Al Seeb’s chances and preserving their lead.

Talking about that, Manolo Marquez said, ‘I want to thank all the players, staff and management, as we are playing this game because of them.’I think that they deserve the credit completely. I don’t want to take any names because I may forget someone. There is a lot of continuity in the team, but without them, we wouldn’t be here. This is the first thing that I want to say about the game.

But yes, this was a very difficult game. In these kinds of games, in a few moments you need some good luck, but I feel that we play with a lot of order. We scored two goals, and every time that we arrived at a chance, my feeling was that it was very dangerous, but it’s true that they are a fantastic team. We are playing against one team that has eight starters in the national team of Oman who are a part of the upcoming World Cup.

What did Manolo Marquez remark about the refereeing decisions?

43' No penalty, referee overturns his decision to a free kick just outside the box for Al Seeb!🇮🇳FC Goa 1-0 Al Seeb 🇴🇲 Watch match action live on👉 https://t.co/ATNzQqZHeL#IndianFootball #FCGoa #Football #KhelNow pic.twitter.com/9dRg4O5jRl

— Khel Now (@KhelNow) August 13, 2025

The match had a moment of controversy when a late handball appeal was turned down by the referee, but the outcome was shaped by Goa’s overall performance. Manolo Marquez stated that they did not win because of the refereeing decisions but because of their game play.

I think it’s my sixth season in India. I think that more or less, you know me. If I see that the refereeing actions are in favour of us, I would say it. Even two players told me that it could have been a handball, but, if it’s a handball, from my position, it’s impossible to make the right call.Maybe if I am on the other bench, maybe I can see the hand. And I don’t know if it was inside or outside the box. But If it’s inside the box, it’s a penalty.

And whether it is a handball or not, one day the referee is in favour of you, and one day the referee is in favour of us. But, I can tell you that I don’t think that we qualified because of the referee or his decisions. We qualified because we played a good game despite them being a stronger team.

What were Manolo’s thoughts on the performance of the opposition?

Al Seeb pull a goal back with Nasser scoring from close range!🇮🇳FC Goa 2-1 Al Seeb 🇴🇲 Watch match action live on👉 https://t.co/ATNzQqZ9pd#IndianFootball #FCGoa #Football #KhelNow pic.twitter.com/8E0aGovmax

— Khel Now (@KhelNow) August 13, 2025

Oman’s Al Seeb have won the Omani League four times in the last six seasons. Al Seeb also created history in 2022 by winning the AFC Cup and becoming the first team from Oman to win it. Defeating such a team wasn’t an easy task.

Maybe the first ten minutes of the game were in their favour. The first ten minutes, they started very well, very strong. They have very good combinations on the right side and on the left side with completely different styles on one side and on the other side.

The number 21 is a fantastic player that they signed from Bahrain again. But all the credit is for our players, for our crowd that they have saved. Because without them, for sure, it would be impossible to win this game. And the reality is that we are very, very happy because we will be, the day after tomorrow, in the draw in Kuala Lumpur. And let’s see if we can play here against fantastic teams and fantastic players.

On coping up with the pressure of such a crucial game

When the pressure increased, Goa’s timely substitutions gave the team fresh energy and defensive cover, Their timely introduction Al Seeb’s attacking surge, stabilised possession, and helped the Gaurs see out the game with control rather than desperation.

It is true that the players who entered the pitch helped a lot. Even though they didn’t play too many minutes. But Tavora, Bryson, they helped a lot in the minutes that they were in the pitch. I only can say that, and this is the reality, that we are one month training very hard.

And I completely agree with Dejan when he says We didn’t have good games. It’s true that we could work on some things.But obviously, you need to arrive with a stronger opposition to play these kind of games.

What did Manolo Marquez say about FC Goa’s defence?

15’ Sandesh Jhingan putting everything on the line for the team yet again💥🇮🇳FC Goa 0-0 Al Seed 🇴🇲Watch match action live on👉 https://t.co/ATNzQqZ9pd#IndianFootball #FCGoa #Football #KhelNow pic.twitter.com/hWYjklyewM

— Khel Now (@KhelNow) August 13, 2025

Even after conceding in the 61st minute, FC Goa’s defence held its shape and composure. The backline dealt with attacking threats and prevented Al Seeb from scoring from their chances. Manolo Marquez gave credit to his defenders and stated that he was proud and happy to be a part of the Gaurs

They are a very strong team. The normal thing is that they create chances. But I feel that we defended with a lot of order. It’s true, with a lot of players behind the ball. But I don’t think there is another way to win this game. Because we play against a very strong team.

And again, I’m very proud, very happy. I have repeated the same from the first day that I arrived in FC Goa. I’m very happy that I took the decision to come here.

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