We need to be in better positions on the pitch, says Manolo Marquez ahead of Syria clash in Intercontinental Cup

The Blue Tigers will face the mighty Qasioun Eagles in a direct battle for the title.

Ahead of a crucial game against Syria, which the country needs to win to defend the Intercontinental Cup, Indian football team head coach Manolo Marquez addressed the media, and defender Jay Gupta joined him. The decider for the trophy is scheduled to kick off on Monday at 7:30 PM at the G.M.C. Balayogi Stadium in Hyderabad. 

Thoughts on the game against Syria

Manolo Marquez who will be in charge of the country for his second time, following a stalemate in his previous game predicted an adamant game tomorrow against Syria who are in 93rd place in the FIFA World Rankings, 31 places above the Blue Tigers. The manager mentioned, “I think it will be a difficult game for us and them, of course, both teams want to win and it will be tough.” 

Jay Gupta echoed his coach’s sentiments saying, ‘’ We are determined to do what the coach wants and it’s a game where we have to fight for the cup’’. 

Time with the squad and team news 

India only had two sessions before their first Intercontinental Cup game against Mauritius and when quizzed on having more time with the squad, the manager clarified, “Of course, even this time is not enough, but we will try to have a good game, the time for training sessions is short, but we need to be competitive and we are trying to understand what we want to do.” 

On the possibility to win the trophy in front of the home fans

The Spaniard downplayed the confidence factor in the squad but said he would try his best to get a result. “We hope to play a good and win the tournament, but if you ask me I prefer to play a good attacking game and not win the game, the team needs to understand my ideas and try to play better. We believe we can compete against a lot of opponents.

“We need to adapt and understand what we want to do, we want to win but the most important thing is to understand what we want to do. In the next FIFA window the goal is to build a process and for the players to trust it,” Manolo Marquez stated. 

On India’s goal-scoring problems and converting chances

India has scored only two goals in eight competitive matches this year and scoring goals has been an area of concern for the Blue Tigers. With the team in desperate need of a win tomorrow, the tactician summarised, ” We need to be in better positions on the pitch, to arrive in the box better, and to take risks and be more clinical in the last action, we are still in preseason where(as) the Syrian team is playing in different championships. They are training well and we are expecting a good game and we need to be positive.’’ 

Jay Gupta on the influence of Manolo Marquez on the team

Indian left-back Jay Gupta had a breakthrough season with FC Goa and started India’s first game against Mauritius. When asked about Manolo Marquez’s influence on him and the team, he echoed that the team trusts the vision of the coach. He added, “A lot of other players in the Indian team have also worked with Mr. Manolo at some point, so he is a familiar figure. But I want to say the atmosphere is very positive in the dressing (room); we are very positive and understand what he wants, and we believe in what he asks (of us).” 

Jay Gupta on his preferred position to play 

The head coach had exclaimed earlier that Jay Gupta, who played left-back under him at FC Goa and with the Blue Tigers recently, is a natural center-back, hinting that he will be using the player in the same role. When the defender was approached about his preferred position to play he concluded, “Just to say I am naturally a center back and have trained there in my early days. I think wherever I can help my team and coach I am ready to play, but it all depends on where I can help the team and contribute.”

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