Khalid Jamil gives confidence to players, says Manolo Marquez

The Spaniard is wary of the threat that NorthEast United pose.

Hyderabad FC are up against an in-form NorthEast United in their next Indian Super League fixture. With the competition nearing it’s business end, teams are fighting to secure their objectives. Two of those sides HFC and NEUFC are involved in a tight race for the playoffs. Level on points, there is nothing to separate the two teams. Manolo Marquez has been upfront about the performances of his team and their ambitions. Before the upcoming game, the coach interacted with the media and answered some of their questions.

Importance of victory against Chennaiyin FC

The tactician was asked about the significance of winning the game against Chennaiyin FC, especially after having drawn the previous four fixtures. Manolo Marquez answered, “When you win a game, it's always important. This was important not just for our team, but because we have put distance with Chennaiyin.”

Stakes of upcoming game

The Spaniard gave his opinion on how important the game against NEUFC could be, in the context of the race for playoffs positions. He said, “It is very important because we are now entering in the last quarter of the competition.” 

In regard to making any tactical changes, Marquez further added, “No tactical changes. In every game, we know we play against different teams. Every team has a different style and we have to know their strengths, their weak points. But, I think we won’t change anything in terms of tactics.”

A word on opponents

Speaking in context of their next opponents who are flying high under Khalid Jamil, Manolo Marquez opined, “The work (by) Khalid is very good because it is not easy to win against Mumbai City, ATK Mohun Bagan and Jamshedpur.

“I think the most important thing that Khalid gives to the players is confidence. They now play with organization in defence and have three very dangerous players in attack – (Luis) Machado, (Federico) Gallego and Deshorn Brown,” the 52-year-old further added.

Pressure of race for playoffs

Manolo Marquez also touched upon the openness of the league and the fact that almost every side has the chance to qualify for playoffs. He said, “The only thing is that some teams like Odisha, Kerala and Chennaiyin, practically, don't have options. There are lesser teams that can arrive to top four, but I think ATKMB and Mumbai will be there for sure.

“At this moment, FC Goa, NorthEast United and Hyderabad are with the same points, but I think that Bengaluru, Jamshedpur, they can arrive in the top four,“ the head coach concluded.  

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