Manolo Marquez: Akash Mishra can be one of best left-backs in India

The Spaniard was quite content with his side's performance in the victory against Odisha FC.

Hyderabad FC got off to the perfect start in the seventh season of the Indian Super League (ISL), with a 1-0 victory over Odisha FC in the first match. The Nizams looked confident right from the kick-off and showed disciplined gameplay in attack as well as defence. Showing faith in the young Indian players, Hyderabad FC coach Manolo Marquez started with only four foreigners and the players did not disappoint.

They also managed to keep the first clean-sheet in their history, thanks to their sturdy defence. Speaking about the feat, Marquez said, “I am very happy; because even in the pre-season, we conceded two goals in every friendly game except against Bengaluru FC, where we drew 1-1. But, this is the first clean-sheet in the team's history and this, of course, is a reason to be satisfied." Today’s clean-sheet also means Hyderabad goalkeeper Subrata Paul adds another one to his historic feat of keeping the most clean-sheets in the league’s history, counting 27.

In what was his debut match in the ISL, teenager Akash Mishra caught the eye with his stellar performance. “I think he is a very quiet player,” said Manolo Marquez delightedly when asked about the young gun. “He has a very good mentality and will be one of the best left-backs in India soon. I think he is a very good left-back, but of course he has to improve,” the Spaniard added.

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Hyderabad’s marksman Aridane Santana converted from the spot, a goal which eventually led his team to victory. The Nizams looked to continuously crowd the spaces behind the Odisha defence and the flanks while attacking. Marquez stated, “The plan was to keep the ball possession and keep passing. When you are winning a game, the normal plan is that the team has to keep on attacking. When you are with the ball and the other team is coming at you, you have to take advantage of the space left by them in the back by the defenders.”

“Liston Colaco, for me, is a very good player,” said the coach while appreciating the young forward's performance in the match. “He is a very powerful player and for me, he is a player with a lot of quality. He can play in different positions, like as a secondary striker between the main striker and the attacking midfielder and sometimes also as a winger. He is a young player with a great future,” said the coach rightfully.

Hyderabad FC face Bengaluru FC in their next game on Saturday. “I don't want to tell anything about the game because my friend Carles Cuadrat (BFC coach) might be listening. But, it will be a very difficult game. We are satisfied and let's see what happens against Bengaluru,” concluded the Spaniard on a light note.