We'll face NorthEast United FC with a strong mentality: FC Goa's Manolo Marquez
FC Goa head coach Manolo Marquez shared his thoughts ahead of their home game against NorthEast United FC.

FC Goa head coach Manolo Marquez is expecting a strong response from his team when they clash against NorthEast United FC in their next Indian Super League (ISL) game at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa on Wednesday.
FC Goa and NorthEast United FC suffered defeat in their last match against Mohun Bagan SG in Matchweek 15. Both teams will be determined to get back on track when they square off in the opening game of Matchweek 16. Notably, the narrow 1-0 defeat against the Mariners put an end to FC Goa’s longest 12-match unbeaten streak in the ISL 2023-24 season.
Marquez acknowledged that defeat is inevitable for every team and he wants to see how his side performs against the Highlanders following their recent defeat.
“Whenever a team goes on an unbeaten run of matches, a defeat is getting closer and closer. I know it’s a negative statement, but that’s how it is. I don’t know a single player or coach who has not suffered a single loss in his or her career. Hence, what matters more is how a team reacts after such a result,” Marquez said in the pre-match press conference.
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The Spaniard had words of praise for their opponent, NorthEast United FC, while speaking about how they have improved their performances in the ongoing season. The Highlanders had finished bottom of the team during the 2022-23 season. Marquez asked his players to be attentive and confident in their upcoming game, as they are aim for all three points against Juan Pedro Benali’s team.
“NorthEast United FC are a good team with a good coach,” he stated.
“The team is better than what they were in the first leg of the season. But we need to remember that we are FC Goa and that we need to enter the pitch tomorrow (on Wednesday) with complete focus and confidence in ourselves,” he added.
Marquez is anticipating a challenging outing against NorthEast United FC but remains optimistic about a promising performance from his team. Speaking in context, he commented, “It’s not going to be an all-attack contest, but we will see what we can do best to get the three points. We will face them with a strong mentality.”
We have a winning mentality at FC Goa: Udanta Singh

Udanta Singh accompanied his head coach ahead of their next home match against NorthEast United FC. The winger shares his insights on how Marquez instills a fighting spirit within the team in every training session.
“When the coach arrives, he demands a lot from everyone on the pitch,” he said.
“We have to clear out, even if there is a small mistake. We have to play as a team. We have a winning mentality in the FC Goa team right now,” he added.
Reiterating Marquez's comments, Singh has also his eyes set securing a positive result when they host the Highlanders. Speaking in context, he shared, “We had to lose even though we fought hard. It's not a big problem.”
“We can lose a match, but it’s a comeback match against NorthEast United FC. So, we are working hard in practice, and we're looking forward to the match,” he signed off.