Manolo Marquez reveals how FC Goa can turn the tide in ISL

The Gaurs head coach feels a turnaround is on the cards this season.

Building up to their highly anticipated Indian Super League (ISL) match against Bengaluru FC, FC Goa head coach Manolo Marquez insisted his team can turn the season around in matchweek 7. During his recent pre-match press conference, the Spaniard highlighted the strengths of his squad and reinforced faith in the Gaurs to secure a much-needed win before the international break. 

Acknowledging the challenges FC Goa has faced this season, Marquez expressed confidence in his team’s recent performances. The 56-year-old feels improvements in attack could give them an edge against a formidable Bengaluru FC side.

Manolo Marquez predicts FC Goa revival

While talking about upcoming games ahead of the international friendlies, Manolo Marquez stated, “All games are important. The next game is the most important. And yes, now it’s because it’s before the break. But after the break, even if we win both games, we need to continue.” 

Manolo Marquez admitted that while FC Goa’s results have been mixed, they are creating more goal-scoring chances than last season. He stated, “We are playing better in attack. We are creating more chances than last season. But on the other side, we are not consistent. But I feel that we have the most difficult. That the team is arriving and even when we are losing, again, we are creating some chances.”

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Marquez respects upcoming opponents Bengaluru FC 

While talking about his upcoming opponents, Marquez reserved special praise for Bengaluru FC. The Spaniard pointed to the quality and experience of Bengaluru’s squad while highlighting that a significant number of their players are regulars in the Indian national team. He also acknowledged that the team has strengthened with strong foreign players this season. 

While talking about the Blues’ signings this season, Manolo Marquez stated, “They have very good foreigners. I know Edgar Mendez very well. I know Pedro Capó. I played against him when he was in the same competition as me in Spain. They have a very good competitor, obviously in Pereyra. They have a very good team.”

Defensive woes have hurt FC Goa this season 

While the Gaurs head coach believes that the team’s current performance level in attack has been strong, he acknowledged concern over defensive shortcomings. The coach noted that the team will be working in tandem with the backroom staff to sort out those issues. Manolo Marquez stated “It doesn’t matter who is playing. The team, more or less, is performing okay.

“It’s the consistency that we are speaking. Every day, it’s easier to get the consistency. For example, if you don’t have good players, it’s very difficult to play in a good way, to arrive, to create chances. But always, to destroy is easier than to build.”

Manolo Marquez is optimistic about his team’s chances and sees the matchup as an opportunity to prove their mettle. A win against a strong team like Bengaluru would be an important confidence boost for FC Goa. Despite their inconsistent season, Marquez insists that FC Goa is steadily improving and can compete with the best teams in the league.

While it has been an up-and-down season for FC Goa, Marquez remains upbeat about his team achieving a top-half finish. A win against Bengaluru FC could be a catalyst for the Spaniard, as he hopes to light a fuse for a renewed drive to establish themselves as serious contenders once again. 

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