Manolo Marquez gives update on Asish Rai's injury

The Hyderabad tactician spoke to the media ahead of an important game against the table-toppers.

Hyderabad FC will face ATK Mohun Bagan in their penultimate Indian Super League (ISL) 2020/21 league stage fixture. Against the Mariners, Manolo Marquez and his boys will look to secure three points and further their hopes of finishing in the top four before the final deciding match against FC Goa.

On Sunday, Marquez interacted with the media during the pre-match press conference and gave an insight on what is in store for HFC fans, the performances and more.

Performance against Kerala Blasters

Manolo Marquez was asked about the importance of the last victory and if the performance against KBFC was the best one yet.

“That was very important because we are in the fight (for playoffs qualification). It was not our best performance because in the first half, we didn’t play a good game. Kerala Blasters played better than than us. Mentally, I think we were better than Kerala," the tctician replied.

Confidence Boost

When asked about the importance of the dominance against KBFC and what kind of a boost it gave the team ahead of the clash against ATKMB, he responded, “When you win, it always increases the confidence of the players. Of course, if you win 4-0, you have more confidence, but we know that every game is different.”

Approach against ATKMB

Hyderabad will look to breach the fortress that is ATKMB’s defence, which has conceded the least number of goals yet in the campaign. Revealing how the team will approach the fixture, Marquez said, “Tomorrow we have a very difficult game, but Goa have a very difficult game and NorthEast have a very difficult game. I think we have to think about our own game. It will be a strong game, but it will be a strong game for ATKMB too.

“They have enough good players. ATKMB for sure will be a strong team and the challenge is fantastic for our players.” the 52-year-old said in context of their opponents. 

Importance of fans

The Spaniard also expressed gratitude for the support the team has received from the fans throughout the season. He explained, “We received messages from the fans on Instagram, Twitter and other social media. We know that they are behind the team and of course we try to do the best in every game for the fans, for the city.

"I think it's very important next year if we can play in our city, the stadium of Hyderabad. If you look at the empty stands, for me it's not football.”

Update on Asish Rai

Manolo Marquez concluded the interaction by intimating about the condition of star player Asish Rai, who was substituted in the last game with an injury. “Unfortunately, the season is finished for him," he revealed and signed off.

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