Hyderabad FC head Manolo Marquez was delighted with the team's excellent display in his side’s massive 6-1 win over NorthEast United FC in matchweek 13 of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) at the G.M.C Balayogi Athletic Stadium, in Hyderabad, on Thursday.

The reigning Hero ISL champions took charge of the game early on as they struck three goals in the first half and as many in the second half. Borja Herrera, Javier Siverio, Odei Onaindia, and super sub Joel Chianese found themselves on the scoresheet for Hyderabad FC along with an own goal from Gaurav Bora. On the other side, Aaron Evans scored the solitary goal for the Highlanders.

Marquez was pleased with the clinicality shown by his men on the field and deemed it as uncommon to go three goals ahead at the half an hour mark.

“I think there were three moments in the game. The first 30 minutes, we played very well and we were very clinical. We scored, not practically every chance, but we were very clinical, it's not normal to (be winning) 3-0 in the 30-35th minute,” Marquez stated in the official post-match press conference.

It was yet another game where Hyderabad FC had less of the possession and yet they managed to pounce on their opponents by creating several outlets for goalscoring moments.

“When you're winning (with) two goals in the half time it's dangerous. If they score, 3-2 it’s different, if you score, 4-1, it seems very easy because the moment that we scored the fourth goal, the game finished. I think that then we could score 5, 6, 7 goals and even score another goal,” he added.

Marquez fell short of praise for his team’s heroic display as his team posted their all-time joint-biggest win and returned to a 4-game winning streak as they did earlier in the season.

“We are very happy. I think that these players deserve a monument in Hyderabad, but okay, three points and (we have to) keep going on to the next game,” he said.

While the defending champions currently see themselves on top of the table, their nearest title contenders - Mumbai City FC - are yet to play their fixture of this matchweek. However, the Spaniard wants his team to enjoy their year ender win by being on top of the table.

“I prefer to be on top of the table than to be on the last part of the table. But we know that we still have to play eight games and we know that Mumbai City FC (still) have to play. It is true that they’ll play (their game) in January, then we will finish on top at least in December, on 31st December,” the head coach mentioned.

“Now, we have to prepare for the next game (and) that will be very hard again, FC Goa in Fatorda. This (G.M.C Balayogi Athletic Stadium) is a good pitch, we have good memories on this pitch,” he added.

The 54-year-old also shared his connection with Odei Onaindia, who netted his first-ever Hero ISL goal, heaping praise on his character while also sharing his anecdotes on reuniting with him after his spell in the 2020-21 season.

“Odei (Onaindia) is an incredible professional, incredible person, always helping everyone, not only the teammates, (has a) never say no (attitude). The reason for the level that he has is because he played a lot of years in the top level, he is a player who played two semi finals in Copa del Rey, he is a player who played in second division in Spain, and when he said yes to come back, all of us were extremely happy,” he concluded.