I think it will be a hard game for both teams, asserts Manolo Marquez

The tactician spoke ahead of the crucial match against FC Goa.

Hyderabad FC’s final league game against FC Goa in the Indian Super League 2020-21 season is almost here. The game will be closely watched by the sets of fans from both sides, as the winner will take the final available playoffs spot. With everything on the line going into the fixture, Hyderabad coach Manolo Marquez interacted with the media.

Preparation ahead of game

Speaking in the context of the mood within the camp, Manolo Marquez revealed, “The mood would be better if NorthEast had lost both the games, but now the only thing we have to do is congratulate not only ATKMB, Mumbai City FC but NorthEast United too. Mood in the team from the first day is very good. 

“Of course it's like a knockout clash, the team who wins continues in the competition and the other team goes home. I think it will be a hard game for both teams,” he further continued.

Pressure to win

The tactician also talked about the scenario wherein FC Goa only need a draw while Hyderabad must win the game and if this situation puts extra pressure on the side. He expressed, “In football there are three possible scores. Goa, with two of the three possible scores they qualify. We of course have only one and this is a disadvantage.”

Word on Igor Angulo

FC Goa have Igor Angulo in their ranks, who has scored 13 goals in his debut ISL season. Speaking in the context of possible strategies to stop the striker from scoring, Manolo Marquez revealed, “No, not any strategy in mind. But, we know he is a very dangerous center-forward, with a lot of experience.

"There is no extra strategy to mark him because Goa has scored goals in the league, not only through Angulo but of course he is a great center-forward.”

Word on Laxmikant Kattimani

The coach also expressed his opinion on the custodian Laxmikant Kattimani, who has impressed this season. He was quoted, saying, “For me, Kattimani is a very good goalkeeper, he is the best goalkeeper that we can have in our team for our way of playing. Of course, he can fail like the referee, like the forward, like the coach. But, for me, he is one of the best keepers in India."

Absence of key players

The 52-year-old referenced the fact that HFC will have to contend without Asish Rai, Aridane Santana and Chinglensana Singh, as all three are unavailable due to injuries and suspensions. He said, “One of the strengths of this team is that they are very brave and confident in every game. It's not important who plays or doesn't play, we would prefer that these three players can play, but we will put 11 players and we will try to win the game.” the Spaniard concluded.

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