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Hyderabad FC head coach Manolo Marquez discusses his clubs crunch clash against NorthEast United FC in the Indian Super League – Season 8.
On taking an early lead and beating Bengaluru FC…
I think it is always important to score the first goal. We scored pretty early, which is sometimes a bit dangerous. But with the goal, it was probably our best half of the season so far.
The important thing is the three points and the clean sheet. Our performance in the first half was really good. In the second half we had more problems as Bengaluru FC pushed for the equalizer but I think we deserved the three points.
On the defensive performance against Bengaluru FC…
I think this season, our team is more or less defending very well. The result is always important but even in the first game against Chennaiyin, they had only one clear chance. Even in the next few games, we did not concede too many chances and that is what is more important.
On the other results in the league…
Honestly, I am not too focused on those results. It is too early in the season and you have to be focused on your team. The win against Bengaluru FC was very crucial, but we also beat a strong team like Mumbai. The last result is what stays fresh in the minds. So we are in a good way at the moment.
On facing NorthEast United FC next…
They played really well against Odisha and did not deserve to lose. I think it will be a difficult game for us and for them too. They are a tough team, an aggressive team, have good foreign players and the Indian players are very disciplined. Surely, it will be a difficult game for both sides.
On avoiding complacency…
We have one defeat in 16 games in the ISL. Our team is young but they have quality. For me, the players with more experience will help the youngsters and this mix that we have helps us a lot.
On the form of the overseas contingent at Hyderabad FC…
We are really happy with our foreigners. But for me, with only four overseas players allowed in the XI, the difference between the teams is the quality of the Indian players, because you have to play with at least seven of them in the team.
There are a few mistakes made, as we have seen so far this season but like in everything in life, you learn from your mistakes and I think many of these youngsters will only become better the more they play.
A word on goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani…
I know that Kattimani is a player who was criticized in the past but in our style of play, he is a very good goalkeeper. When we play in the other half, he can play out of the box. He is a good shot-stopper, has good communication and his confidence is high as well.
On the contribution of Indian youngsters…
We have the likes of Asish, Akash, Sana, Hitesh, Yasir and Danu and we also have a few more players in the squad. Some of them will be really good players in the future but you cannot play with 11 young players. We need experience beside them and I think this mix of players is very important.
