Panaji
FC Goa head coach Manolo Marquez held a press conference to discuss the upcoming match against Mohammedan SC in Kolkata this Saturday, following a disappointing season opener against Jamshedpur FC.
Marquez began by addressing his selection of Malsawmtluanga, who has been training with the main team. “Malsawmtluanga is one of them,” he stated, highlighting the player’s potential. He emphasized that the development team, especially after their Durand Cup victory, is showing promise, and he is optimistic about some players’ futures.
Reflecting on the loss to Jamshedpur, Marquez expressed frustration. “It’s the fifth or sixth time we’ve repeated the same mistakes, and it’s disappointing,” he said. He felt the team had a clear opportunity to win in the first half and believed they should have scored more goals early on. He acknowledged that while they had moments of good play, particularly in the first half, they failed to capitalize on their chances.
When asked about injuries impacting the team, Marquez noted that while injuries are always a concern, they should not be used as an excuse for their performance. “If we win, no one talks about injuries,” he pointed out. He insisted that the real issue was a lack of understanding of the game situation, particularly in the second half.
Marquez also addressed the upcoming challenge against Mohammedan SC, recognizing them as a tough opponent. “It will be very difficult, but we are focused on trying to win this game,” he said. He mentioned that the first game of the season is often risky, and teams can struggle to find their rhythm.
On teamwork, Marquez clarified that it’s not just about working together but understanding the game dynamics. He stated, “You have more possibilities to win if you play smart.” He noted that FC Goa needs to manage different game situations better to avoid making the same mistakes.
In discussing Mohammedan SC, Marquez acknowledged that they too had their struggles in their opening match but believed they would improve with more games under their belt. “They played a good game, but they will be better after a few matches,” he commented.
Addressing concerns about the younger players not contributing enough in the first match, Marquez reiterated his commitment to giving young talent opportunities. “If young players show quality and the desire to improve, they will get chances to play,” he affirmed. He specifically mentioned Bryson, saying he has improved compared to previous seasons.
Regarding the team lineup for the upcoming match, Marquez confirmed changes are expected but was unsure how many players would be swapped. He mentioned that the squad has been training well and seemed motivated to turn things around. “They feel they didn’t perform well, and they are working hard to improve,” he noted.
Finally, Marquez confirmed that five players, including Lara, Yasir, Sandesh, and Iker, would remain sidelined until after the FIFA break in October. However, he expressed hope that some of them would return soon.
