SCEB have good players, says HFC head coach Manolo Marquez

The gaffer was not happy about the challenge on Asish Rai in the previous match.

Hyderabad FC’s upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) 2021-22 assignment sees them collide with SC East Bengal. The outfits are having very contrasting campaigns and will be in a different state of mind coming into the fixture. Manolo Marquez and co are flying high amongst the top-four places with three wins in six games. On the other hand, the Red & Golds are at the bottom of the points table, suffering four defeats and recording zero wins.

Ahead of the clash, both Marquez and SCEB head coach Manolo Diaz spoke to the media during the pre-match press conference. Here's what they said.

Hyderabad FC

A word on the upcoming opponents

Talking about SC East Bengal and if it is the perfect time to play the outfit because of their form and league position, Marquez said, “I think all of us will agree that every game is difficult to win. All the coaches will say the same thing, every team can beat the other. It’s another game, we will try to win but we do not think if SC East Bengal is in the last position or not. We have to play with our style and try to win the game.

“No, you have to play against all the teams, it’s true that now they are not in the best moment. They have good players, we know the current situation is difficult for them but we have to be focused on our style.” Manolo Marquez further said while disagreeing with the fact that the SCEB game will be easier because of their bad form.

Unhappy with the lack of protection for Asish Rai

Speaking in regards to Indian right-back Asish Rai, Marquez said, “Let us see how is his injury and why he cannot play tomorrow. This is the thing that I am angry with this championship. The important things are sometimes not important.” he said while reiterating the fact that Rai’s injury needs more focus.

“If you push one player like Jorge Ortiz, you put a ban of two games, only for one push. For one kick like Asish received, nothing happens with the other player. Even if the referee does not look at it during the game or shows a yellow card when it’s a very clear red card, you have to take part of these types of actions (these incidents into consideration).” the tactician further added, putting light on the need for better officiating and retrospective action by the officials.

On whether his team deserves more points

Speaking in the context of the results and HFC’s consistency, Manolo Marquez believes the unpredictability of results is part of a long season. In a very brief manner, he concluded by saying, “Sometimes you win games that you don’t deserve and sometimes you lose games that you don’t deserve.”

SC East Bengal

Missing Antonio Perosevic

"Antonio was playing regularly, but we have other players like Chima, Semboi, and Balwant who can play," Diaz said. Perosevic is serving a ban for misconduct against the referee.

Antonio Habas' departure and its repercussions

"The pressure is there but it is from myself. The state of the club isn't that good, which is why we have not been able to win matches. The targets of ATK Mohun Bagan and SC East Bengal are totally different," Diaz said.

Finding a way to not concede easy goals

The SC East Bengal head coach explained, "In the seven matches we played, almost all the players have had a chance to play, including the three goalkeepers. We have made a lot of mistakes. And the decisions made during the matches have been poor."

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