FC Goa head coach Manolo Marquez was sad to see his former team Hyderabad FC in a difficult situation as they find themselves in the bottom place on the table but felt their young team could cause problems for the Gaurs as they prepare to host them at Fatorda in the Indian Super League (ISL) on Friday. 

FC Goa still have slim hopes of winning the League Shield but would need to win all their remaining games and hope that a number of other results go their way.

The Gaurs were in a commanding position when the league took a break for the AFC Asian Cup, but have since only won three out of the nine games leaving their championship challenge hanging by a thread.  But the Spaniard isn’t willing to give up without a fight. 

“I am not happy with this part of the season where we drew three games and lost three. We should not have conceded seven goals in those two matches (Punjab FC and Kerala Blasters FC),” Marquez said in a pre-match press conference. 

“But every coach will remember such games in the season. Every team has ups and downs. What's in our control is to try and win all three games and try to finish in the best position possible,” he added. 

Facing his former team, Marquez feels the opponents have players who are looking to prove a point. 

“In this moment it's easy to play in Hyderabad FC as if they lose nothing will happen but if they draw or win, they will celebrate,” he said. 

“This is a very young Hyderabad FC team. Some of the players are trying to show good quality so that they can play in ISL next season. They are a dangerous team. No team beat them with a big scoreline which means they are competitive and have good players. But this is not my Hyderabad FC,” he added. 

Marquez helped Hyderabad FC win the ISL Cup in the 2021-22 season and made them one of the most consistent teams under his reign. He has done a pretty good job at FC Goa so far but the contrasting results in either half of the season have put a stain on FC Goa’s season. 

However, the Spaniard is keen on finishing the season strongly with two home games left. 

“The team is more comfortable playing at home with our fans. We are very grateful to the fans and we need them to win these two games,” he concluded. 

Want to improve more: Nim Dorjee

Defender Nim Dorjee accompanied head coach Marquez in the press conference as he prepared to face his former team. 

Dorjee stated that his team is still aiming to secure the League Shield and is eyeing nine points from their last three matches to give themselves a chance. 

“The mood of the team is good. If we win three matches we can reach 45 points. After that anything is possible. Even if we can't win the Shield, it will be good if we can finish second,” he added. 

The 28-year-old reunited with coach Marquez after he joined FC Goa in January and revealed how the Spaniard has been key to his development. 

“The coach always pushes me. I have always played well under him. I take note of everything he says even when he is angry. I want to improve more,” he signed off.

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FC Goa2023-2024 Nim Dorjee Tamang