Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) outfit Hyderabad FC recently announced the appointment of Manolo Marquez as their new head coach ahead of the seventh edition of the league. While in conversation with IANS in an interview, the Spaniard heaped praise on the Hero ISL, and spoke about the league’s popularity in his home country.

“I want to say that the Hero ISL is very famous in my country. There are a lot of Spanish players in the Hero ISL and I am a part of it now. It means that I am a professional and I have to know the maximum things about the teams, their players, the facilities, the stadiums; and I am happy because the club is helping me in all the ways,” Marquez shared.

After Hyderabad endured an underwhelming 2019-20 season, Marquez is well aware of the task at hand, but the Spaniard is certain that he and the team can thrive under the pressure. “If you have pressure, it means that you are in for a great challenge and I'm sure that our work will be good. We'll put in a lot of passion and we want our fans to be proud of us. For me, one of the key aspects is that all the people, the fans, players, staff and the board have to go in the same direction,” Hyderabad’s new head coach said.

“When you arrive at a new club, it's always a big responsibility. But I know what this project at Hyderabad is exactly and so we are prepared for the season. I know all the staff as well, and Xavi (Gurri) the assistant coach has been with the team in the ISL last season. For me, I will have to surely adapt to India, the habits, the players, etc. But this is the same that happens in every team even in Spain,” Marquez added.

Even though the upcoming season will take place in Goa behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Spanish head coach is determined to make the most of the situation. “I am sure that we will enjoy this experience and the season will be very good. The only thing that is different this year and season is the coronavirus pandemic, unfortunately. But this problem is present in the entire world, not only in India and we have to learn to co-exist with it,” he said.