Find out what Manolo Marquez told Chhetri after BFC Vs HFC in the ISL

The tactician expressed his views after a crucial win that takes his side closer to qualification in the ISL playoffs.

Hyderabad FC secured a vital 2-1 win over Bengaluru FC in the ISL 2021-22 season to extend their lead at the top. The Nizams are inching closer to qualifying for the playoffs, as they reached 29 points. Goals from Javier Siverio and Joao Victor were enough to hand Manolo Marquez’s men all three points. As for the Blues, Sunil Chhetri created history as he scored his 50th goal, the first for a player in the ISL. HFC extended their lead to four points. Manolo Marquez spoke to the media after the result and gave his analysis on the win.

Here are excerpts from the interaction:

Bouncing back from defeat to ATKMB

Speaking in regard to his team performing well after the defeat, Manolo Marquez said, “We played against a strong team, that was nine games unbeaten, fighting for the top four in the ISL. I think after a defeat, when you react with a win, it means a lot for the team.”

Restricting Bengaluru FC

Hyderabad FC were in cruise control and almost came away with a clean-sheet. Sunil Chhetri scored at the end, but it was only a consolation goal. Reacting to his team’s defensive performance, Manolo Marquez said, “We played very well in the first half, with good combinations in our style. They put four players in attack in the second half and we had problems. The danger is always there, but I think all the team in general, in terms of defence were very good.”

“The problem is, when you are winning 2-0, you have to continue attacking. If Bengaluru scores the goal earlier, anything would have happened. The instruction at half-time was that we had to score the third goal and the game was finished, but we could not in the second half. They are very strong physically, we played only three days ago with ATK Mohun Bagan and I am very happy for my players because this was a very difficult win,” the head coach further added, praising the efforts of his players. 

Words of praise for Sunil Chhetri

Manolo Marquez concluded his interaction with the media by talking about his conversation with Sunil Chhetri. He said, “For me, he is a legend. I told him that he is 37 or something, that’s not important, but he is the best Indian player because he comes back stronger after being on the bench for three days. This is the mentality that the Indian players need and this is what I told him. This is the reason why he is still the best Indian player with his age.”

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