Manolo Marquez exposes FC Goa's biggest problem after Mumbai City loss

FC Goa suffered a narrow loss to Mumbai City FC at home.

Mumbai City FC beat Manolo Marquez’s FC Goa 2-1 to take home the bragging rights from their West Coast rivals on Saturday. Goals from Nikos Karelis and Yoell Van Nieff helped the Islanders grab their first win of their 2024-25 Indian Super League campaign. 

FC Goa, on the other hand, were left sulking at the Fatorda Stadium once again. Following their latest loss, The Gaurs have managed to pick up just one point in their three ISL games at home. 

What did Manolo Marquez say about his team’s biggest problem?

FC Goa head coach Manolo Marquez was quizzed about his team’s biggest problem following their loss to Mumbai City FC. To this, the Spaniard replied saying that his side were not consistent and were leaking a lot of goals. 

Manolo Marquez said, “We are not consistent. When one team concedes two goals every game, it’s impossible to have a good season. We need to improve as a team in the defensive aspect. Who is the top team in the table? Bengaluru.”

Manolo Marquez explained, “Yes, you can win 3-2, 4-3 on your day, but it’s very difficult to win every game 3-2, 4-3, 3-3. The team that will concede fewer goals will be the champion or will finish second for sure. This is not a defensive sentence, It’s the reality.”

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How are FC Goa’s defensive record so far in the 2024-25 ISL season?

In their five ISL games, FC Goa have conceded 10 goals, the joint highest among all teams so far. In comparison, the Gaurs had just let in 21 goals in 22 ISL league games last season. 

While Odei Onaindia has been a constant in the center back position, coach Manolo Marquez has tried to partner the Spaniard with Nim Dorjee Tamang and Jay Gupta. Udanta Singh and Aakash Sangwan have been the two wing backs for Goa so far this season.

“I think it’s important to be a good professional and to know all the players. Let’s see if we can have this conversation at the end of the season in a positive way. Because I think it will be good for both sides, for FC Goa and the national team,” Manolo Marquez concluded.

Manolo Marquez’s side is missing Sandesh Jhingan, who was ruled out with an ACL injury in January 2024. The positive thing for the Gaurs though would be that the center back has returned to training and was amongst the substitutes in the 2-1 loss to Mumbai City.

Will Jhingan’s return provide a boost to FC Goa in a defensive aspect? Let us know your thoughts.

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