Manolo Marquez insists his players to keep calm despite winning momentum

The Spaniard expressed his opinion on his side's winning momentum ahead of the game against Odisha FC.

Hyderabad FC continue their campaign in the Indian Super League as they take on Odisha FC at the Fatorda Stadium on Tuesday. The Nizams have had a brilliant start to the New Year and will be looking to carry on with the form against the struggling Juggernauts. Ahead of the game, head coach Manolo Marquez attended the pre-match press conference.

About last game

Hyderabad FC earned a massive point against Mumbai City FC on Saturday. The team excelled in all departments against the league leaders and walked away with a goalless draw. Infact numerous chances came for Hyderabad, but they failed to convert. For Manolo Marquez, getting a draw and also maintaining a clean-sheet against Mumbai City is something which makes him very proud and happy.

“For me, it was a very good game. I think it was one of the most complete games of Hyderabad this season,” said the Spaniard, while addressing his views on the team’s recent result. He further added, “The opponent was a very strong team. It's true we had the best chances with Liston (Colaco) and Joel (Chianese), but sometimes you score difficult goals like Joel against Chennaiyin and sometimes you fail. For me, it was a great save from Amrinder (Singh). If we counted the chances, then we were closer than Mumbai to win the game, but I'm very happy with the performance of the team.” 

Impact of winning momentum

Hyderabad FC started off the new year with excellent performances, earning seven points from three games. Getting back to winning ways after three consecutive defeats was very difficult, but this is what will drive the team forward, Manolo Marquez believes. This positive mentality will also play an important role towards the business end of the season.

“Usually, to get good results is more difficult as all teams try to play their best performance. I think all the games will be difficult until the end of the season. It is important that we try to continue in this line, as the team is playing good football,” he quoted.

Last game against Odisha

Although Odisha FC are placed at the bottom of the table, the Nizams' head coach will not be taking them lightly. Hyderabad FC can solidify their position in the top four with a win. However, the Spaniard said, “I'm not thinking about top three, top four or top 11. I think we have a very difficult game against Odisha.”

According to him, the first game against Odisha which they won was completely different and one cannot compare that result to predict what can happen tomorrow. “The first game was totally different as many Odisha players missed it and we played better than Odisha, but we finally won the game with a penalty. They are the last team in the table, but any people following the league can say every game you can lose or win against anybody,” said the Spaniard.

Team News

Fran Sandaza, Nikhil Poojary and Souvik Chakrabarti will continue to miss the next game as well, confirmed Manolo Marquez. Moreover, Roland Alberg will not start on Tuesday revealed the Spaniard. “It's impossible, after quarantine,” he concluded.