Manolo Marquez gives important advice to in-form Liston Colaco

The Spaniard spoke ahead of his side's clash against mighty Mumbai City FC on Sunday.

Hyderabad FC play Mumbai City FC in their sixth fixture of the Indian Super League at the Tilak Maidan on Sunday, one which promises to be a weekend thriller. Both teams have been unbeaten in their last five games in the league, with the Islanders sitting comfortably at the top of the table. Ahead of the game, the Nizams’ head coach Manolo Marquez spoke to the media in the build-up to the game.

Mumbai City FC’s threat

Speaking about the opposition, the Hyderabad coach heaped a lot of praise and respect for the Islanders. Mumbai City are on top of the table courtesy of their blistering form after the defeat in their first game and Manolo Marquez believes they have every right to be in that position. “Mumbai, in my opinion, is the favourite team for winning the regular season,” he opined. “It is a very good team with a lot of qualities and with a very very good coach. They are good with the ball, good in pressing, it will be one of the more difficult games we play,” he exclaimed.

[KH_ADWORDS type="4" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS]

About preparations for the game

Hyderabad FC are unbeaten in the competition so far, but their record will be under threat from the free-flowing Mumbai City team, whom the Nizams host on Sunday. Although this might be a reason to worry for some coaches, the Spaniard seemed visibly calm and composed. According to him, the basic preparations for any match remain the same, only slight adjustments are made depending on the opponents. 

“We prepare the game in the same way as all other games,” he stated. “Of course, we watch videos about the opponents. They (Mumbai) are a team who want to keep the ball the same as our team. Let’s see if we can have the ball more than them. But, when they have the ball we have to be prepared to defend very well and the preparation is more or less very similar every game.”

ALSO READ: Hyderabad Vs Mumbai City Preview: Nizams aim for another upset

About the comeback in the last game

Speaking about the last game, the head coach of the Nizams was very proud of his team’s performance and the hard-work which they put in to turn around the scoreline. Although he isn't particularly worried about conceding goals, his mentality suggests that winning the game is the most vital. “This is football. Yes, I'll prefer winning 3-0 every game, but sometimes you are with two consecutive clean-sheets, then we have conceded in three games consecutively. For me, the most important thing, of course, was to win the game. But, to turn the score after half-time, for me, this is very difficult in football,” commented Manolo Marquez.

[KH_ADWORDS type="2" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS]

Speaking about Liston Colaco

Liston Colaco has been one of the most attractive players to watch out for this season. His speed, agility and performances have caught the eye of fans. Praising the youngster, Manolo Marquez promised he will be a good player in the future. “Liston is dangerous. He has incredible qualities; for sure will be a very good player in future.” 

However, the coach remains cautious about his as well as the players’ approach in the coming days. “Future is very difficult to know. But, for me, it will be better for him not to have too many interviews and not too much social media. I like Liston, but remember that he only scored two goals in the ISL last season. He is an important player for us, but he has to improve a lot of things. For sure, he will be a good player, if his head works in the correct way,” signed off Manolo Marquez

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Twitter, Instagram and join our community on Telegram.