PANAJI
FC Goa's head coach, Manolo Marquez, is gearing up for an important match against East Bengal FC in Kolkata this Friday. Marquez reflected on his team’s performance in recent games, emphasizing the need for improved teamwork.
"We are not playing as a team," Marquez stated. "Everyone is focused on their individual problems instead of the team's issues. We know we are capable of better, and we need to act on that." He acknowledged that while the team showed some positive moments in their last match, they struggled to maintain consistency, especially in the final minutes.
Marquez noted that players seemed nervous after only two games, highlighting that football can change quickly. "You win two games, and everything feels different. We must keep a positive mentality, even if things don't go our way," he added.
The coach expressed concern over recent performances, admitting, "When your goalkeeper is your best player, it usually means the rest of the team hasn't performed well." He also discussed the disciplinary issues faced by defender Odei, who received two yellow cards in back-to-back games, stating, "The penalties he received were soft, in my opinion."
When asked about the upcoming match against East Bengal, Marquez praised the opposing team, saying, "They have good players and have invested well this season." He acknowledged that East Bengal has also struggled but remains a strong opponent. "It will be a tough match, and I believe it will be evenly contested," he commented.
Marquez recognized the unpredictable nature of the league this season, with many teams, including FC Goa, still searching for form. "It’s early in the season, and many teams are currently at the bottom of the table but will likely improve," he noted.
In discussing the last match, Marquez pointed out that while FC Goa scored in injury time to earn a point, they did not deserve more. "We need to analyze our games more thoroughly. It's not just about the last-minute goals; we have to focus on overall performance," he explained.
He stressed the importance of team play over individual achievements, saying, "It’s vital that everyone works together. A goalkeeper can have a great game, but if the team doesn’t function well, it doesn't matter."
Reflecting on his strategy, Marquez mentioned that he wants to involve as many players as possible to keep the team competitive. "In previous seasons, we managed to stay competitive regardless of the lineup," he said.
Regarding East Bengal’s struggles and the pressure on their coach, Carlos Caudrat, Marquez offered support, stating, "Every coach faces challenges. Carlos is a good coach, and I know he will turn things around." He emphasized that regardless of the situation, FC Goa must focus on their own game and not get distracted by external pressures.
"We know we have the potential; we just need to show it on the field," he concluded.
