FC Goa head coach Manolo Marquez acknowledged that his team still has areas to improve despite their victory over Hyderabad FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) on Wednesday.

The Gaurs secured their fourth consecutive win, thanks to goals from Udanta Singh and Iker Guarrotxena. This result propelled them to third place in the standings, narrowing the gap to just two points behind leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant.

Although Hyderabad FC created plenty of chances and recorded more shots on target than FC Goa, the Gaurs were more clinical in converting their opportunities, ultimately taking home all three points.

“In terms of football, the most important thing is the score. But in terms of how we played, we can play better. In some moments, Hyderabad FC played good football. They had the same problem (as they had) in a lot of games; they are not the best team in both boxes and finally they played very well in some moments,” Marquez said during the post-match press conference.

“It’s a team who is very dangerous in terms of how they manage the goal. The foreigners are very good. Some of their Indian players played a good game. But I feel that with some experience from our players we won the game,” he added.

This was FC Goa’s second consecutive clean sheet, following their away victory against Kerala Blasters FC. Much of the credit for the clean sheet goes to goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari, who made an impressive seven saves. Marquez, speaking about the young keeper who recently stepped into the starting lineup, was full of praise.

“He was the third goalkeeper last season and when we finished the season, we spoke that he has to go one step forward. And you never know, you have to be ready. You have (Laxmikant) Kattimani in the squad, we have Lara Sharma still injured and then Hrithik is showing he is ready to play in ISL and he is playing very well. He has a very good thing about a goalkeeper, that he is very calm,” he said.