It's been a fantastic season, claims Manolo Marquez

The tactician seemed elated after a huge result in the race for playoffs qualification.

Hyderabad FC demolished a hapless Kerala Blasters FC by 4-0 in their Indian Super League encounter on Tuesday. A brace by Fran Sandaza and a goal each by Aridane Santana & Joao Victor ensured a comfortable victory for the Nizams. The win takes Manolo Marquez and Co up to third place in the table with 27 points, which is a huge step in the right direction for the hopes of a top four finish.

He spoke about the performance and more during the post-match media interaction.

The turning point

The tactician shared what he thought was the turning point in the game, which swung the fixture in his team’s favour. He was quoted as saying, “In the situation for both teams, I think the first goal was very important. We are trying to qualify for the playoffs and I think that the first goal was the key for me in this game.”

First-half blues

The Spaniard was forthcoming in his assessment and conceded the fact that Hyderabad did not play well in the first-half. He explained, “I think we did not play a good first-half. Even in some moments, Kerala played better than us. But, in the dressing room, the players kept calm for the second-half and finally they were confident to score before the opponent.”

Thoughts on the scoreline

Reflecting on the four goals his men scored on the night, Manolo Marquez expressed delight. He spoke in this context and said, “This is the third time we have scored four goals, but of course we prepared to win, you don’t know what will be the score at the end of the game."

“We are very happy and proud, this is very important for the fans of Hyderabad, for the city of Hyderabad and for the players of course. Hyderabad needs one season like this. I think the season has been fantastic,” the 52-year-old further opined.

Asish Rai’s injury update

One of the star players for the Nizams this season has been Asish Rai, but the full-back was taken-off due to an apparent knee injury. Giving an update on Rai’s condition, Manolo Marquez said, “It is very soon, but it seems not very good. Because it is the knee, we have to look if it's kick or a twist. If it's a twist, the season is finished, but if it's just a kick (on the knee) maybe he can play the next games. I don't know at this moment.”

Conversation with Kibu Vicuna 

Manolo Marquez was also seen having a conversation with Kerala Blasters head coach Kibu Vicuna. Giving an insight into the scenario, the Spaniard said, “I think Kibu is a fantastic person, a very good coach like he showed last season with Mohun Bagan. I have never worked with Kibu, but he has worked with people that I worked (with) in Spain and we have a very good relationship.”