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FC Goa head coach Manolo Marquez has stated that the upcoming semifinal fixture against Mumbai City FC will not just be a difficult challenge for his team but also for the Islanders. The Gaurs defeated the two-time ISL winners Chennaiyin FC 2-1 in the playoff knockout clash on Saturday, April 20, at home in Fatorda to seal the last-four spot.
Under Manolo Marquez, Hyderabad FC won the 2021-22 ISL Cup trophy, defeating the Kerala Blasters FC in the final. Last season, the immensely experienced gaffer led the Nizams to the semifinals where they lost to the eventual winners ATK Mohun Bagan.
Speaking at the post-match press conference after the victory over Chennaiyin FC, the 55-year-old, who will be in his third successive ISL playoffs, expects tightly contested games in the two-legged semifinals against Petr Kratky's men. That said, he is optimistic that FC Goa players will give their best.
He said:
"It will be difficult for FC Goa, but also difficult for Mumbai City FC. Sorry, because for now I’ll be arrogant, but this is my third consecutive playoff. We were champions with Hyderabad FC. It’ll be a very equal game here in Goa and in Mumbai also. We're aware of the quality of the players at Mumbai City FC. It's not just about playing well; it's about competing well. I'm completely certain that we'll play (with that spirit)."
"Sometimes, going into the second half with a 2-0 scoreline is more dangerous than being up 2-1" - Manolo Marquez
During the match, Noah Sadaoui broke the deadlock by providing FC Goa a 1-0 lead in the 36th minute against the Marina Machans. Local boy Brandon Fernandes doubled the lead with a fantastic strike nine minutes later. Just when it looked like Goa would be heading into the break with a 2-0 advantage, Lazar Cirkovic pulled one back for Chennaiyin FC just before half-time.
Eventually, the scoreline remained 2-1 and FC Goa cruised into the semifinals. Acknowledging the fact that it was a closely fought contest, Manolo Marquez also highlighted the importance of going into the half-time break with a 2-1 lead which gave the much-needed momentum to approach the second half.
He said:
"I think these kinds of games are difficult to play. Things were very tight at the beginning and just when it seemed like we had control of the game, we conceded a goal in injury time of the first half. Sometimes, going into the second half with a 2-0 scoreline is more dangerous than being up 2-1.
"Because when you're 2-0 up, you might have the confidence, but with 2-1, you know you need to step onto the pitch with the right attitude.However, I firmly believe that we deserved to be in the semi-finals."
The two-legged semifinals will be played on Wednesday, April 24 (Fatorda) and Monday, April 29 (Mumbai). FC Goa will be looking to extend their winning run and make full use of the home advantage before travelling to the Mumbai Football Arena.
