Panaji
FC Goa’s hopes for a joyful weekend were dashed when they lost 2-1 to Mumbai City FC at Fatorda Stadium on Saturday evening.
The match began poorly for FC Goa, as Mumbai City took a commanding 2-0 lead in the first half. Despite their struggles, FC Goa managed to find the net after being awarded a penalty, with Sadiku converting to make it 2-1.
After the match, FC Goa’s coach, Manolo Marquez, expressed disappointment with his team's performance, particularly in the first half. He emphasized that they are only playing well for 45 minutes in many matches, saying, “We need to play from the very beginning. If we only play 45 minutes, it’s tough to win.”
Marquez acknowledged that FC Goa made two significant mistakes that led to the goals scored by Mumbai. He noted that the team defended poorly on set pieces and failed to capitalize on their chances. “In the second half, we showed character and created clear opportunities to equalize,” he stated, reflecting on the team's improved performance after halftime.
Despite the loss, Marquez remained optimistic about the future, suggesting that the return of injured players like Iker and Sandej would enhance the team's performance. “We know we can play good football and score goals. We need to focus on improving,” he added.
The coach also commented on the importance of attracting fans to matches. He acknowledged that if spectators had only seen the first half, they might not want to return. “The attitude and effort in the second half were commendable, but we can’t afford to start games poorly,” he said.
Defensive issues plagued FC Goa once again, as they conceded their third goal from set pieces in five games. Marquez pointed out that not every player executed their defensive responsibilities correctly, leading to the second goal, which was scored from outside the box by Van Mee. He stated, “When a team concedes two goals every game, it’s impossible to have a good season.”
He also expressed frustration with Mumbai City’s tactics, noting that they wasted time in the second half, which surprised him. “I didn’t expect this from them. The referees need to manage such situations better,” he remarked.
As the team reflects on this defeat, Marquez is focused on improving their defensive consistency. He highlighted that teams that concede fewer goals tend to perform better in the league. “Bengaluru is at the top for a reason; they have a strong, consistent defense,” he noted.
Looking ahead, Marquez is committed to fostering growth within the team. He believes that learning from experiences, both good and bad, is crucial in football. “This is the reality of the game. We need to be stronger and more focused,” he concluded.
