That was a boring game, says Manolo Marquez after NorthEast draw

The tactician expressed his views after a close game with the Highlanders.

Hyderabad FC’s latest Indian Super League 2020/21 fixture against NorthEast United ended in a goalless draw. Both sides tried to break the deadlock, but the stakes were too high to risk coming away without a point on the night. The Nizams had many chances to score a goal, but lacked the edge to find the back of the net. Manolo Marquez saw his side draw their eighth game of the term and looked visibly disappointed with the result. 

Plan coming into fixture

The tactician was asked if the plan was to play safe, given the close proximity with the opponennts in the league table. Marquez said, “I think that was a very boring game. Without rhythm, very slow on the ball for both teams. We would have to try something more because they played only three days ago. I think all the teams are very tired, but it’s not an excuse, its a fair score.”

The opponents

https://youtu.be/NX1PoT7B1VA

Picking up on his words hailing NEUFC as a good side, the coach was asked about how difficult the Highlanders made it for them to win. Manolo Marquez aid, “They are playing with very good organization and with very dangerous players in attack. I think maybe this is one of the days that we did not play with a lot of rhythm.

“All the games they have scored against Mumbai, ATKMB, Jamshedpur and even against Goa, with penalties. We controlled this kind of actions (pressing) very well, but sometimes when you worry too much about these actions, you don’t attack like every game.” he further continued.

Silencing strike duo

The Spaniard praised NEUFC’s defensive organisation, which did not allow his in-form strikers Aridane Santana and Fran Sandaza any room or chances to score. He said, “Yes, they defended very well. Both center-backs, (Benjamin) Lambot and (Dylan) Fox played a very good game. I am happy with the effort, but I think we needed something more if we wanted to win the game.”

Update on Joel Chianese

Before concluding the post-match interaction, Manolo Marquez gave a positive update on Australian midfielder Joel Chianese. He said, “He is ready for the next game. Today was a precaution because we didn’t want to lose him, a very important player for us. He is ready for Friday against East Bengal.”

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