Manolo Marquez: Roland Alberg can play some minutes Vs Mumbai City

The Spaniard spoke ahead of his side's clash against the Islanders on Saturday.

Hyderabad FC return to action on Saturday, as they face Indian Super League leaders Mumbai City FC at the Bambolim Stadium. The Nizams will look to continue their good goalscoring form, but the job won't be an easy one against a stern Mumbai defence. Ahead of the game, head coach Manolo Marquez spoke to the media.

Impact of long breaks

Hyderabad FC got a long break of eight days since their last match. Pointing out this factor, Manolo Marquez believes it is difficult to determine whether these long breaks can create a positive or negative effect on the team. He highlighted several examples of teams in the league playing well without long breaks, as well as teams who lost their way after getting the same.

But, from a player’s point of view, these breaks are really important, he said. “In this kind of competition, when you play every 4-5 days, the breaks are good, not only for player recovery but also for the freshness because playing continuously is not good,” he commented.

Islanders' threat

Marquez has always applauded Mumbai City and termed them the favourites to win the league in the regular season. looking at the opposition’s current position, one can agree that he was correct. Speaking about the Islanders, the Spaniard once again heaped a lot of praise.

“Mumbai is the strongest team in the league. Even if they change their lineup, they are still strong. There have a lot of very good players and a very very good coach. I continue to say that they'll top the league in the regular season,” he quoted.

Possible change in lineup

In addition, he said that he needs to make changes to his team in order to get a result, but he doesn't want to make a lot of alterations. “I think our plan for tomorrow is that we can change (the lineup). But, it's important we don't lose our style of play only for one game, as we have to play only three days after against Odisha. It will be a very difficult game, as they have nine consecutive games without defeat,” he further added.

Goalscoring form

Hyderabad FC were on a roll in their last two games, scoring four goals in each. On the other hand, Mumbai City have conceded only four goals in the league. Addressing this point, Manolo Marquez expressed faith in his boys, but also showed respect to the Islanders.

“We are one of the teams who create more chances in the league. Tomorrow will be different, but we are not worried. If we score one goal, we want to play a good game and let's see what happens. The opponent tomorrow is very strong,” he said.

More Liston Colaco brilliance on the cards?

Although the league leaders have conceded only four goals, their defence has faced quite a lot of issues against pace and with Liston Colaco in their ranks, Hyderabad have the tools to test their backline.

On being asked whether the fans can see more of Colaco's magic in the crucial game, Manolo Marquez remained tight-lipped about his selection. “Liston is a very good player. The other day, he practically decided the game with his goals against NorthEast United.”

Debut for Roland Alberg?

Hyderabad FC’s new signing Roland Alberg might make his debut in the ISL against the Islanders, hinted Manolo Marquez. According to him, the Dutch player brings a lot to the team with his versatility and attacking prowess. “He is an attacking midfielder, but he can play in different positions as well.

"In the Netherlands, a lot of teams play in 4-3-3 and he played as a left midfielder or a right midfielder. But, I think he is more offensive than defensive with a lot of quality. It's difficult when you come out of quarantine to play immediately, but I think he can play some minutes tomorrow,” he added.

Team News

Nikhil Poojary, Souvik Chakrabarti and Fran Sandaza will miss the next game, confirmed Manolo Marquez. Nikhil and Fran haven’t yet recovered from their injuries, whereas Souvik had to return to Kolkata for personal reasons. Subrata Paul, even though he is available for selection, is recovering from his knee injury, Manolo Marquez informed.