FC Goa’s head coach, Manolo Marquez, reflected on his team’s tactical adjustments and performances after their incredible 4-2 victory over Odisha FC in the Indian Super League (ISL), while emphasising the challenges of securing points at the Kalinga Stadium.

Brison Fernandes shone with a brace in the eighth and 53rd minute, while Udanta Singh added a goal in first-half stoppage time. FC Goa’s fourth came through an own goal by Amey Ranawade in the 56th minute. For Odisha FC, Ahmed Jahouh converted a penalty in the 29th minute, and Jerry Mawihmingthanga found the net late in the 88th minute.

We had some fireworks left over from New Year’s Eve! How’s that Goa? 🎇😉#OFCFCG pic.twitter.com/E0xmqtOzdQ

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Speaking on securing a win at an away game, at Kalinga Stadium Bhubaneswar, where Odisha FC have historically maintained an impressive home record, Marquez said at the post-match press conference, “I think that it's the second defeat in the last two seasons, only Chennaiyin FC was able to win here. I feel that we didn't play a very good first half, it was very equal, similar, but it's the second goal, Udanta (Singh) finished in the first half, and the third goal, when they were trying to equalise the game, I think that then the third goal practically killed the game, because we scored the fourth and we could score more goals, but it's normal (to concede). When you are losing, you have to risk.”

FC Goa broke the deadlock but Odisha FC soon made their way back into the game through Jahouh. They dominated possession of the ball and created some promising chances. Marquez praised Odisha FC’s competitiveness but felt the result was fair.

“Odisha FC is a very offensive team..Sergio Lobera, if not the best, is one of the best coaches in the history of ISL, and I like Odisha FC because they are a very complete team, in open play, in counter-attack, in set-pieces, they are very good. And we indeed managed the situation very well, and I feel that finally if you check all the 90, 96 or 100 minutes, I think that the score is fair. At least, our win.”

FC Goa is now third in the table with 25 points from 13 matches, with Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Bengaluru FC in first and second place respectively. Speaking on the League Shield race Marquez said, “In four days, we play at home against Hyderabad FC. It seems like an easy game…we have to win this game, but in this (league) competition, all the games are very difficult. Then, we have two targets. One is to enter the playoffs, and the other is to try to win the Shield. We are in the race in both aspects. We need to be ambitious. And now, the target is to try to win the Shield.”

Brison Fernandes continued his stellar form, following up his brace from the previous game with another standout performance.

“For me, he is the best Indian player that I’ve trained in my four seasons in India. Now he’s a real player. He knows perfectly what to do in attack and defence. I’m very, very happy. I think everyone in Goa should be very satisfied with him,” Marquez said.

Despite conceding twice, the coach expressed satisfaction with FC Goa’s overall performance while acknowledging the difficulties of facing Odisha FC on their home turf.

“It’s very difficult to win here in Kalinga. They always score goals, and it’s normal to concede here. At 4-1, conceding a second goal is almost an anecdote. But I believe we can still play better than today,” he said.

FC Goa now turns their focus to their next ISL match, where they will host Hyderabad FC on 8th January, aiming to build on their momentum and maintain their push for the top position in the league standings.