FC Goa's Manolo Marquez highlights 'importance of consistency' ahead his 100th ISL game

The Gaurs are searching for their fifth win in the ISL this season.

Indian Super League (ISL) club FC Goa head coach Manolo Marquez is all set to achieve a significant milestone in his managerial career as he takes charge of his 100th ISL match against Hyderabad FC. The game, scheduled to be played at the Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad, holds special significance for Marquez, who began his ISL journey with Hyderabad FC.

Matchweek 10 will allow Manolo Marquez to return as the head coach of FC Goa on a special career milestone. Ahead of the game, the 56-year-old spoke with the media candidly about the milestone and their upcoming opponents Hyderabad FC.

Centurion Manolo Marquez reflects on his ISL tenure

While reflecting on his journey in Indian football, the Spaniard expressed his fondness for the country and its footballing culture. Manolo Marquez stated, “It’s always special to come back to Hyderabad. It was my first experience in India, and now, in my fifth season, it feels like my second country.”

He joins an elite group of ISL coaches, including Sergio Lobera and Antonio López Habas, to reach the 100-game mark. While responding to the special occasion he stated, “I’ve been privileged to coach two clubs I’ve thoroughly enjoyed, both on and off the pitch. Everything will be very nice until the moment they kick-off. Then we will go for the three points.”

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Manolo Marquez hungry for more wins for FC Goa

The Spaniard’s men head into the match on a high, having secured three consecutive wins after a slow start to the season. Despite the positive momentum, Marquez stressed the importance of consistency.

Manolo Marquez stated, “It’s true that we lost some points in the beginning that we didn’t expect. But I was very confident also, always about that…Now we won three games. I don’t want to say now. You can be here when you are in a good moment and you can be here when you are in a bad moment. You have to work in the same line.”

Familiar faces await Marquez in his 100th game

Under head coach Thangboi Singto, Hyderabad presents a familiar challenge for Marquez, who worked with Singto during his tenure in Hyderabad. However, Marquez downplayed the advantage of familiarity, emphasizing the need for high concentration and effort.

Manolo Marquez is wary about relaxing against a team he described to be going through a tough time. While acknowledging Hyderabad’s recent struggles, including a 6-0 loss to Odisha FC, he cautiously stated, “They are not the same team as last season, but they’re competitive. They’ve had close games and don’t concede much, barring that one match.”

Ahead of a landmark day on Indian soil for Marquez, the club will be optimistic about their season. With key players returning from injury and a competitive squad, Marquez backs his Goa side to target top honors, including the ISL Shield.

With Manolo Marquez preparing for a special homecoming at the Gachibowli, he remains focused on one goal: securing three points against his former side. The Gaurs’ fans will be hoping their club continues its upward trajectory in the ISL this season.

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