I'm very satisfied with team's performance, says FC Goa boss Manolo Marquez

Manolo Marquez’s men derailed the Marina Machans’ steady run of form in a scintillating ISL clash filled with goals. 

FC Goa hammered Chennaiyin FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 on Sunday at the Fatorda Stadium. The Gaurs did slack off a little in the early minutes, given their standards of attacking football but completely swept the rug from underneath the Marina Machans.

Although they went behind to Rahim Ali’s opener, Borja Herrera leveled the proceedings twenty minutes later. Carlos Martinez’s brace increased their parity. Brandon Fernandes added to the same as they mounted an assailable lead and took home all three points. Head coach Manolo Marquez spoke to the media after the game in the post-match press conference. Here are the excerpts from the conversation.

Thoughts on the game

FC Goa started the game slowly but came back in style, pegging their opponents back. Manolo Marquez noted the same as he said, “We didn’t start in a good way and had a lot of doubts. They didn’t play with many regular players in the lineup. But that’s not important. They were aggressive because that is Owen Coyle’s style. When you enter the pitch and you are doubtful you can have these kinds of problems. But for us, the drinks break was a blessing as we could speak.

“We aren’t magicians and we need to communicate. After 30 minutes we understood that we needed to change some things. The players understand that very well. It wasn’t a coincidence that we scored immediately. But obviously, the reaction was very good. The first goal, then the second goal, and the red card. Then we scored the third goal before halftime so practically it was already over by then. But I am very satisfied with the performance of the team especially after 30 minutes.”

On Brandon scoring

Among all the goals, the most emotionally as well as relevant one was for Brandon Fernandes who lost his father one year to this day. The long-serving Gaurs captain dedicated his goal to his departed father and Manolo Marquez acknowledged it to be a beautiful moment.

“I think it was a very emotional moment. I didn’t know his father, unfortunately. The other day I was at the church and it was practically full. It was a very nice ceremony. I think Brandon deserved this goal because he’s part of the rich history of this club. He was searching for this goal. In Jamshedpur, he missed a clear chance. But today he scored the goal and it was a very nice moment for him. I’m sure his father will be very proud of and happy for him,” Manolo exclaimed.

On four wins in a row being beneficial for them in the playoffs

The Gaurs have now won four matches in a row after their 3-3 draw to Punjab FC. Talking about their form, Manolo Marquez mentioned, “It’s better to arrive with this score but Chennaiyin arrived in the same way. For them, this game was practically a training session. That’s because they have already finished sixth. Yes, they have to wait and see whether they play against us or Mohun Bagan. But for us, it’s a good moment. I don’t want to sound arrogant but I expected to win all of our remaining games.

“It was a pity to draw in Punjab. I think we had a lot of chances. In that game, Punjab had three shots on target and scored three good goals. But it is not only about these two points. Indeed, we weren’t good in some moments because it’s normal. But I repeated the same thing on TV. 45 points from 22 games, is more than two points each game. In a lot of championships with these two points, you become the champion. Here it is true that you have to go up against very big teams. Tomorrow let’s see what happens, and if Mumbai get the three points. Now it’s time to wait and see when we play and who will be the opponent.”

On games, he expected to win

Coaches often lament their losses and how things could have gone differently. Of course, it is only human to do so. Manolo Marquez gave the press an actual picture as he commented on the games he expected to win.

“There was one moment in Kerala and Mumbai. Especially in the second half, we deserved to win. But you ask the other coaches, Peter Kratky, Antonio Lopez Habas, and Sergio Lobera they will tell you specific games. For example, I could tell you that in the game against Mumbai, we deserved two more points and they deserved one less. There are a lot of other things as well.

“It’s about a long competition and the details of every game are important. You can speak about Kerala and Punjab or both games. But finally, you finish the regular season in the position you deserve. If you are second you deserve that and if you are third you deserve that as well,” Manolo concluded.

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