Lack of consistency punishing FC Goa, claims Manolo Marquez before Bengaluru FC game

Manolo Marquez also shared his views on Bengaluru FC’s new approach.

FC Goa face their final match before a break in their ISL 2023-24 season, taking on Bengaluru FC at Fatorda Stadium. Currently sitting in fourth place, just above Kerala Blasters, Manolo Marquez’s side will be looking to end this phase on a high.

Their last outing saw a dramatic draw against Punjab at the JLN stadium in Delhi. While Goa displayed impressive fighting spirit to salvage a point, defensive frailties were exposed. Punjab looked set for victory before Goa’s late fightback. The team would want to avoid such lapses against Bengaluru FC.

As we edge closer to the match, let’s take a look at what head coach Manolo Marquez had to say ahead of this game:

Calm after the storm

Manolo Marquez lashed out at his players during the post-match press conference following a disappointing performance by the team against Punjab. However, ahead of the Bengaluru game, it appears that the storm has been calmed.

“Obviously now after 48 hours, I am calmer. My opinion is that we are losing points – when the team in my opinion is playing the best football, in this moment in the competition. In Kerala (first half), in Mumbai, the other day against East Bengal here, against Punjab, but this lack of consistency is punishing our team.”

Approach against Bengaluru

FC Goa’s recent form has been lacklustre, winning just one game in their last seven outings and conceding 10 goals in the last five fixtures, including four against Kerala Blasters and three against Punjab FC. As they prepare to face Bengaluru FC, the team will be eager to adopt a winning approach.

The coach highlighted, “Trying to win, trying to change the mood, because after only one win in seven games, the team is playing more or less ‘okay’ in terms of offensive actions. But, we need now to finish as high as possible in the table. Mathematically there are chances, and we will fight for the top position.”

Short break

The team will be entering a short break after the Bengaluru game. When asked about the plans for the hiatus, Manolo Marquez replied, “First we have to think about tomorrow’s game, because it’s very important. In our case it’s three weeks (break) because we don’t play in the first week when action resumes.”

He added, “Even if we win, draw or lose, we will come back and try to win the next game and then in the playoffs, the same.”

Have Bengaluru become stronger?

The coach also shared his opinions on Bengaluru FC. He said, “With the new coach, they are changing the style, they are trying to play more on the ground. They have good players, a lot of players in the national team and some good players who arrived in winter.”

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