Hyderabad FC head coach Manuel Marquez believes strong mentality was the key to his side's 5-1 win over NorthEast United FC in match 28 of Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2021-22 season at Athletic Stadium, Bambolim on Monday.

Hyderabad FC scored two goals inside the opening half an hour of the match to put themselves in a comfortable position. However, a late first-half goal from NorthEast United FC turned the momentum against them. NEUFC grew more and more into the game in the second half. They started sending bodies up in search of the equaliser. Hyderabad FC had other plans. A 78th minute strike from Ogbeche and two other goals within the next fifteen minutes sealed the deal for HFC.

In the backdrop of Hyderabad FC’s victory over NorthEast United FC, coach Marquez spoke to the media in the official post-match press conference.

Here are the excerpts from the press conference.

Do you think the scoreline flatters your performance?

We got three of our goals in the last fifteen minutes. We deserved to win but I don’t know if 5-1 is a fair scoreline. I think more or less we played a good game.

The start of the second half was not that great, what chat did you have during the cooling break?

Nothing special. I told them to have a strong mentality and try to score the third goal. When you’re leading by only one goal, the opposition can equalise in one action.

What do you think about the impact of Bartholomew Ogbeche and Edu Garcia?

You’re speaking about two ISL champions. They are very important players for us. Javier Siverio came on and scored a goal for us. Speaking about foreigners, we know about the qualities of Joao Victor and Joel Chianese. Juanan is another champion. We have a good mix of experienced foreign players and young talented Indians.

Two points behind Mumbai City FC, how pleasing is that?

We have just played five games, there are fifteen more at least. It’s not decided till the last five games.