Panaji: Manolo Marquez is not a fan of the playoffs in the Indian Super League (ISL), even though he has won the Trophy with Hyderabad FC in 2022.
In the past, the FC Goa coach, who also manages the national team, has spoken against the playoffs, particularly when the league toppers, awarded the Shield, are declared as champions and rewarded with a top place in Asian competitions.
For the rest, there’s the consolation of winning a trophy.
This season, though, Manolo is excited about the playoffs. Having missed out on the Shield, Goa have been left to fight for the trophy.
“I am excited (about the playoffs) more because FC Goa have never won the (ISL) trophy,” Manolo told TOI during the pre-match media interaction on Monday. “Everyone knows my opinion about the playoffs in ISL, more so without a slot for Asian competition. We will give our best to try and get the maiden trophy for FC Goa.”
Goa have won the ISL Shield in the past to qualify for the AFC Champions League but have never won the ISL final, losing twice against Chennaiyin FC (2015) and Bengaluru FC (2019).
Last season, Goa made it to the semifinals but were knocked out after conceding three goals at the death against Mumbai City at home. Goa led 2-0 but the visitors scored three goals in second-half stoppage time to turn the tables at Fatorda.
Goa never really recovered from that psychological blow going into the second leg, where they lost again.
This season, Goa are again in the semifinals and face Bengaluru FC, a team high on confidence after sweeping aside the challenge of defending champions Mumbai 5-0. It’s a statement win, something that Manolo and his side would have taken note of.
“I always tell the players that you have to expect the best version of the opponent and then you need to perform in a very good way (to progress). The first leg is in Bengaluru but we know that this match can be (settled) in 180 or 210 minutes. Both sides are full of good players. For a long time, Bengaluru have consistently had five or six players in the national team. Now, there are Goa players too. Over two legs, this will be a nice game,” said Manolo.
The Spanish coach has never lost against Bengaluru during his five years in India, with two different teams, though Goa’s away record against the former champions does not inspire much confidence. Even this season, Goa led 2-0 in the away clash at Sree Kanteerava Stadium, but the match ended 2-2 after the home team made a strong comeback in the last quarter.
“It’s very important to manage well for the entire game. It’s not about one or two players making a difference, it’s a lot about different actions. The team that manages these actions better will make it to the final. We are optimistic in this case, though Bengaluru have a very good team.
“They’ve spent a lot of money because the previous seasons were not very good, except one (year) with Simon Grayson (when they lost against Mohun Bagan in the final). They are a big team, and so are we. Nothing will be decided in the first leg. If you are leading 2-0, or losing 2-0, you know that there will be another game in four days. The normal thing to say is that the finalist will be decided in Goa,” said Manolo.
The first leg of the semifinal will be played in Bengaluru on Wednesday while the reverse fixture has been scheduled for Sunday at Goa’s home, Fatorda.
In the past, the FC Goa coach, who also manages the national team, has spoken against the playoffs, particularly when the league toppers, awarded the Shield, are declared as champions and rewarded with a top place in Asian competitions.
For the rest, there’s the consolation of winning a trophy.
This season, though, Manolo is excited about the playoffs. Having missed out on the Shield, Goa have been left to fight for the trophy.
“I am excited (about the playoffs) more because FC Goa have never won the (ISL) trophy,” Manolo told TOI during the pre-match media interaction on Monday. “Everyone knows my opinion about the playoffs in ISL, more so without a slot for Asian competition. We will give our best to try and get the maiden trophy for FC Goa.”
Goa have won the ISL Shield in the past to qualify for the AFC Champions League but have never won the ISL final, losing twice against Chennaiyin FC (2015) and Bengaluru FC (2019).
Last season, Goa made it to the semifinals but were knocked out after conceding three goals at the death against Mumbai City at home. Goa led 2-0 but the visitors scored three goals in second-half stoppage time to turn the tables at Fatorda.
Goa never really recovered from that psychological blow going into the second leg, where they lost again.
This season, Goa are again in the semifinals and face Bengaluru FC, a team high on confidence after sweeping aside the challenge of defending champions Mumbai 5-0. It’s a statement win, something that Manolo and his side would have taken note of.
“I always tell the players that you have to expect the best version of the opponent and then you need to perform in a very good way (to progress). The first leg is in Bengaluru but we know that this match can be (settled) in 180 or 210 minutes. Both sides are full of good players. For a long time, Bengaluru have consistently had five or six players in the national team. Now, there are Goa players too. Over two legs, this will be a nice game,” said Manolo.
The Spanish coach has never lost against Bengaluru during his five years in India, with two different teams, though Goa’s away record against the former champions does not inspire much confidence. Even this season, Goa led 2-0 in the away clash at Sree Kanteerava Stadium, but the match ended 2-2 after the home team made a strong comeback in the last quarter.
“It’s very important to manage well for the entire game. It’s not about one or two players making a difference, it’s a lot about different actions. The team that manages these actions better will make it to the final. We are optimistic in this case, though Bengaluru have a very good team.
“They’ve spent a lot of money because the previous seasons were not very good, except one (year) with Simon Grayson (when they lost against Mohun Bagan in the final). They are a big team, and so are we. Nothing will be decided in the first leg. If you are leading 2-0, or losing 2-0, you know that there will be another game in four days. The normal thing to say is that the finalist will be decided in Goa,” said Manolo.
The first leg of the semifinal will be played in Bengaluru on Wednesday while the reverse fixture has been scheduled for Sunday at Goa’s home, Fatorda.
You may also like
"I hope that our people will get justice from Supreme Court": TMC MP Shatrughan Sinha on Waqf Amendment Act
Dave Allen dead: Gang of Four bassist dies weeks before band due to tour
Brooklyn horror: Police shoot man after he stabs four girls at home
Ruben Amorim makes honest observation about every single struggling Man Utd star
Royal Family RECAP: Prince Harry could avoid UK return in days over fresh clash
