We performed poorly in first half, says FC Goa boss Manolo Marquez

Manolo Marquez praised Noah Sadaoui for his impact in the second half.

FC Goa overpowered Hyderabad FC in a 4-0 victory at the Fatorda stadium in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 on Friday. Noah Sadaoui led the hosts’ charge with his electric hattrick in the second half, featuring all types of finishes. From dribbling past his markers and slotting the ball with a curler to finishing with his first touch, he had it all in the bag. Carlos Martinez put the final nail in the Nizams’ coffin to lock in all three points, and a vital clean sheet. Manolo Marquez answered the media’s queries following his side’s victory in the post-match press conference. 

On the significant improvement in performance in the second half

FC Goa slouched off in the first half, as despite the managers’ earlier comments about the visitors not being a threat to them, they were unable to break them down. That all changed with Noah Sadaoui’s goal of course, as the Gaurs went on to tear their opponents to shreds.

The Spaniard had high praise for the energetic winger as he commented, “It was difficult to improve the performance of the first half. In the first half, despite having some chances, we performed on a very basic level. Apart from some key actions by I think Kattimani, and then by Alex Saji that saved a goal, it was only their mistakes that were the highlight. We didn’t play well in the first half we played badly.”

“But in the second half, Noah’s pace killed Hyderabad. I feel that when you score a goal, sometimes everything changes. You score more goals and the players who weren’t playing well step up. Carlos Martinez deserved a goal because he worked a lot and he had a lot of chances in the game. Mohammad Yasir got two assists but Noah was the key in the second half.” Manolo Marquez added.

On managing player suspensions

FC Goa already have five players on three yellow cards and they had to be extremely cautious to not concede anymore. Manolo Marquez explained how his players followed his instructions down to the end and they used their substitutions tactfully to manage the situation.

“Now, we have five players with three yellow cards as I mentioned in the press conference yesterday. The option to play with Rowlin Borges was there but we decided to not utilize that option. We substituted Yasir and Nim Dorjee Tamang. I told Noah if you score please don’t remove the jersey (chuckles). Thats all. I think that it’s about winning and now that we have done that let’s see what happens in the last two games,” said Manolo Marquez.

On defender selection preferences 

Boris Singh Thangjam started the game at right-back Although the winger has played in a right-wingback role with Jamshedpur FC earlier he did a decent job playing further back. Talking about the same, the Manolo Marquez concluded, “No, we imagined that the backs would have an important role today. We know that two of Hyderabad FC’s most dangerous players are wingers; (Abdul) Rabeeh and Ramhlunchhunga.

But even with Boris and Yasir more or less in the first half, most of the danger was confined to the right side. Boris is not only a very good humble guy but someone who can adapt to multiple positions. If you look at where he played for the Indian Arrows he was a right-back.”

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.