Barcelona is more like Goa: Manolo Marquez makes bold claim ahead of FC Goa vs Al Nassr clash

The Gaurs are gearing up to host Saudi giants Al Nassr.

One of the biggest nights in Indian football has been reckoned as the smallest state in India gears up to host the 10-time Saudi Arabian champions, Al Nassr, when they face the home side FC Goa.

India’s only hope in Asian competition, the Gaurs will fight for the tricolour tonight at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, Goa.

It is unimaginable and one of the rare feats in Indian footballing history that some of the biggest footballing legends will play on Indian soil. From Liverpool legend Sadio Mane, UEFA Champions League winner with PSG, Kingsley Coman, to Nations League winner Joao Felix from Portugal, it will be a star-studded Al Nassr side that will face FC Goa tonight.

Ahead of the game against Al Nassr, speaking to Fancode, FC Goa head coach Manolo Marquez opens up about how big this occasion is for FC Goa and Indian football, drawing similarities between FC Goa and FC Barcelona and why it is essential for Indian clubs to compete in Asian competitions.

On facing a star-studded side like Al Nassr

The former Indian national team gaffer, Manolo Marquez, feels that everybody was so happy and excited after Al Nassr were drawn alongside FC Goa in the same group. He feels that Al Nassr are the favourites to win ACL 2, but they will leave no stone unturned to put up a strong performance against Al Nassr.

“When we beat a strong team like Al Seeb, we were more or less together during the AFC Champions League 2 draw. When we drew alongside Al Nassr, everyone was so happy and excited. In such kind of games, you do not need any external motivation. So when this moment arrives, you need to show competitiveness and your brand of football to the world.”

“There is no doubt that we are facing, not just the best team in this group, but also the clear favourites to win the AFC Champions League 2. But on the pitch, it is eleven versus eleven. So we just need to go up and put a strong fight for our fans in Goa.”

Manolo wants the Indian clubs & the national team to play against the top teams

Manolo was in all praise for the Indian national team, who managed to secure a bronze medal in the CAFA Nations Cup. He also feels that Goa has an inherent love for football and that it is important for Indian clubs to regularly play against top Asian clubs.

“This is my sixth year in India, third in Goa. First few years, we were in a bubble due to COVID. In terms of football, Goa is the best state, and we need more and more states to come forward. There is passion and love for football among people here in Goa.”

“India needs to play more such tournaments like the CAFA Nations Cup, where they competed against top teams in Asia. If you want to improve, you always need to compete against the best. If you play these kind of games, the club will grow, the players will grow.”

Also Read: FC Goa vs Al Nassr Preview, prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | AFC Champions League Two 2025-26

On similarities between FC Goa and FC Barcelona

The Barcelona-born gaffer feels that Goa and Barcelona demand good football, and a big win alone is not enough. He has tremendous experience coaching across top Spanish clubs, especially in the Catalan region and also coached Las Palmas in La Liga.

“Barcelona is more like Goa. Here, a win is not just enough, unlike Real Madrid. You need to always play a good brand of football. In one game, Barca were winning 8-0 and the crowd was unhappy because people did not like the kind of football the players were playing.”

On Neeraj Chopra as an inspiration

The former ISL-winning coach, Manolo, said that all it takes is a moment of magic and a miracle to bring a sport into the nation’s roadmap. He took reference from Neeraj Chopra, who became the second individual gold medalist for India in the Olympics after Abhinav Bindra’s Gold in the 2012 London Olympics.

Neeraj won an Olympic Gold for India in the javelin throw in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. He also won a silver in the Paris 2024 Olympics. His performance made the nation prouder and has inspired kids from all parts of India to take javelin as a sport and try to become like him.

“I want FC Goa to qualify for such tournaments every year. Its like a chain. See Neeraj Chopra for example, today one man alone motivated every single child to know and play javelin after he brought Gold to India in the Olympics.”

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