Play-off race is still wide open, asserts Manolo Marquez

The tactician spoke after his team recorded their third win of the ongoing season.

Hyderabad FC handed a humiliating 5-1 defeat to NorthEast United in the latest Indian Super League clash between the two. The contest at the Athletic Stadium in Bambolim was heavily one-sided, as Manolo Marquez and co scored five past a hapless opposition. Khalid Jamil’s men have a huge headache in front of them and HFC’s attacking prowess exposed their weaknesses furthermore.

Marquez talked about having an upper hand thanks to the quality of the Indian players at the club before the match. He expressed happiness with the performance of his team while talking to the media in the post-match interaction. The season will be a long and unpredictable one, according to the boss, who feels the need to be patient.

Here is what Manolo Marquez spoke about in the post-match press conference:

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On scoreline

The tactician suggested that the scoreline did not fully depict the performance, but his team deserve the victory regardless. He said, “I think we scored three goals in the last 10-15 minutes. We deserved to win, but I don’t know if 5-1 is a fair score. But, except for a few minutes when we conceded the goal, I think the team played a very good game.”

Bartholomew Ogbeche & Edu Garcia’s contribution

In the game against NEUFC, Edu Garcia provided an assist, while Bartholomew Ogbeche scored a fabulous brace. Commenting on their contribution to the cause, Manolo Marquez said, “You are speaking about two champions of the ISL. They are very important players for us. I think we have very good foreigners with experience and it’s a mix between the young Indian players and the experienced foreigners.”

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“We have to play 15 more in the regular season at least, then let’s see what happens. I continue saying that till the last 5-6 games, it (playoffs) will not be decided.” the Spaniard opined while talking in reference to reaching within two points of league leaders Mumbai City FC.

Drinks break team-talk

Manolo Marquez insisted he told the team to look for the third goal during the second drinks break before the outfit scored quick three goals. Talking about what were his words to the team, the head coach said, “Nothing special. Strong mentality and we have to continue to try and score the third goal because when you are winning by one goal difference, like the other day against Bengaluru, in one action they can equaliser…(told them to) look for the third goal.”

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