Mumbai City will finish in top four, asserts HFC coach Manolo Marquez

The Hyderabad FC head coach also reminded that this was the first time his side have conceded three goals in a game.

Hyderabad FC began its title defence with a 3-3 draw against Mumbai City FC in their 2022-23 Indian Super League opener. A brace from Joao Victor on either side of Halicharan Narzary’s goal almost took Manolo Marquez's men to victory. However, goals from Greg Stewart and Alberto Noguera on top of an early own goal by Chinglensana Singh meant that neither team won three points. 

Manolo Marquez interacted with the media post the draw with Des Buckingham’s men. The manager was seemingly satisfied with his team. Furthermore, he took time to praise his opponents, suggesting that they will be in the top four by the end of the season.

Here is what the manager had to say after the game:

A good game for the fans

Manolo Marquez believes that while the game was entertaining, it was not the same case for the managers. He said, “I agree, it was a good game for the fans. Maybe for the coaches, not too much. It is the first time in three years that we conceded three goals in one game except when we played against Jamshedpur when we did not have enough players to play.

"For the spectators, it was a very good game because they scored first, we turned the score, they equalised twice and I think that finally, the score was fair.”

Satisfied with performance

Despite the result, the Spaniard clarified that he was content with the team’s performance. He also praised Mohammad Yasir while saying, “We entered the second half well, some players like Yasir played a fantastic game today.

"I am very happy with the performance of some players because we had a difficult pre-season. I am very satisfied with the performance of the team and ours is a team that, in best or worst moments, is difficult to beat.”

Praise for Mumbai City FC

Talking about the intense nature of the game, Manolo Marquez praised MCFC and their quality players, suggesting that the Islanders will qualify for the playoffs this year.

He said, “Even when we were losing, we had the feeling that we could turn the score and same when we were leading 2-1 and 3-2, there was a feeling they can equalise the game because they have very good players. I am completely sure that Mumbai City will be in the top four this season. Our team, once again, compete very well.”

Thankful for the fans

Manolo Marquez finished his interaction with the media by praising the atmosphere created by the people in attendance. He said, “During two years… the complete world suffered the disaster of the pandemic. Now, coming back to the pitch was fantastic. I was surprised by a lot of people coming from Hyderabad and Pune, it was a very good atmosphere.

"I was thinking two years ago it will be another game like in the bubble, but it was impossible to speak to the players of the other side because the spectators were cheering during the game.”