ISL 2021-22: Disappointed with the score, not with our game, says Manolo Marquez after 1-0 defeat against Chennaiyin FC

Hyderabad FC could not begin their ISL 2021-22 campaign on a bright note as they lost their opening match of the season to Chennaiyin FC by 1-0 at the Athletic Stadium, Bambolim on Tuesday. The team’s gaffer Manolo Marquez was disappointed with the result but not with the performance of the team.

In fact, Hyderabad FC dominated the whole contest but it was Marina Machans who found the back of the net. Vladimir Koman put Chennai in front when he scored through a penalty in the 66th minute of the game.

Hyderabad dominated the possession with 59% and their passing accuracy was 77% as compared to Chennai’s 65%. Furthermore, they took nine shots on the goal, out of which three were on target but failed to find the back of the net.

Manolo Marquez said while talking in the post-match press conference, “For me, it’s not too important how the other games went. I am very disappointed with the score. Not with our game. It’s true that it was very different from the other games. I think in this game, I don’t know how the possession was but I think that most of the time we had control of the ball. We created very clear chances. But if you don’t score, then these kinds of things happen. The penalty for me was a clear penalty”.

Hyderabad FC could not make the most of their chances despite having most of the ball. Marquez added that they should have converted their opportunities but gave a chance to Chennaiyin to get back into the match.

Marquez added, “I think that we create enough chances to win the game. It was not a comfortable game. But I think that the score is not unfair. We played better than the opponent or had more ball than the opponent. I totally respect the style of Chennai because I think their coaches are great and they had a very good organization. But I think that our team pressed very well and we had the ball practically all the minutes but if you don’t score your chances, then during the 90 minutes, the other team can score”.

Hyderabad FC will next face defending champions Mumbai City FC at the PJN Stadium on Saturday.