Manolo Marquez optimistic about ISL Shield after victory against Mohun Bagan

Brison Fernandes’ brace got FC Goa all three points at the Fatorda Stadium

Manolo Marquez’s FC Goa registered an important win in their Indian Super League (ISL) game against Mohun Bagan Super Giant on Friday. The 23-year-old Brison Fernandes was the man of the match for the Gaurs by scoring two goals on the night.

The result took FC Goa to the third spot in the ISL points table as they face Odisha FC next at the Kalinga Stadium on 4th January 2025. Goa’s manager Manolo Marquez talked to the press after the game regarding the result. Here’s what the Spaniard said:

Manolo Marquez’s thoughts on victory

Following FC Goa’s crucial win against the Mariners, Manolo Marquez was asked about the gravity of the result. To this, Manolo Marquez said, “Everyone knows more or less than this team (Mohun Bagan) is the favorite to win the Shield. And then to win one game against this kind of team, you have to play very well with a lot of order.”

“Lacking some moments, I feel the team was very disciplined and I am delighted with the team this season. I’m enjoying a lot in the training sessions with these guys. I think that when you were there from the beginning, I told you that we would have a good season again. I say the same, for sure that we will lose games but we will have a good season.”

Can FC Goa win the ISL Shield?

The Gaurs have had great results against the likes of Bengaluru FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giant this season. They are currently third in the ISL table with 22 points, four points behind the Kolkata club.

When asked about FC Goa’s chances to win the ISL Shield, Manolo Marquez said, “Yes, I don’t like to speak about this, because it’s very dangerous to speak before the correct moment in football. But I feel that we are very competitive. I feel, from the first day…”

“I told you the other day in the press conference that we knew the start of the season would be hard. Not because of the score, but because we risked a lot about how the squad is with big injuries in the beginning. But I felt, watching or checking, or being in the training sessions that the team is very good.”

The FC Goa manager concluded by saying, “Because today…Ok, we won, but today we had Jay Gupta on the bench, Udanta on the bench, Ayush Chhetri on the bench, and two foreigners on the bench. Then the team is very competitive and now the problem, the fantastic problem for a coach is to decide the next line-up in Odisha.”

Will the 2019-20 ISL Shield winners repeat history once again under Manolo Marquez? Let us know your thoughts.

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.