ISL 2023-24: I am very satisfied with the performance – FC Goa’s Manolo Marquez after win against Chennaiyin FC

FC Goa’s head coach Manolo Marquez was satisfied with the performance after their 4-1 win against Chennaiyin FC in the 22nd match week of the ongoing Indian Super League Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Goa on Sunday.

Rahim Ali gave an early lead to the Marina Machans in the 13th minute of the game. However, Borja Herrera equalized for the Gaurs in the 33rd minute. Subsequently, Carlos Martinez was able to put the home team in front as he scored through a spot-kick in the 38th minute.

Brandon Fernandes then scored in the stoppage time to give a convincing lead of 3-1 to his team. In the second half, Martinez scored his second goal of the night to put the game to bed.

“We didn’t start in a good way with a lot of doubts, even though they didn’t play with a lot of players that are regular in the lineup. But they are aggressive, it’s not important (who plays), it’s all the style of Owen. Then if you enter in the pitch and you are doubting you can have these kinds of problems,” Marquez said during the post-match press conference.

He continued, “But for us, it was very good, the drinks break because we could speak. It’s not about being a magician, it’s just that we could speak. After 30 minutes we needed to change something, and they understood very well, the message. It’s not a coincident that we scored immediately. But our reaction was very good. The first goal, the second goal which was with the red card. And we even scored the third goal before the half-time. Practially, it was over in the first half. I am very satisfied with the performance of the team, especially after the 31 minutes,” he added.

Meanwhile, FC Goa’s captain Brandon Fernandes scored his maiden goal of the season. Fernandes dedicated the goal to his late father in his celebration.

“Very emotional moment I think (for him). I didn’t know his father, unfortunately, but I know I was there the other day in the church (for his death anniversary service) and it was practically full. Very nice ceremony. I think that Brandon deserved his goal because of his history in this club and he was searching for this goal. Finally the other day, even in Jamshedpur (against Jamshedpur FC) he missed a clear chance. But today he scored the goal and was it very nice. A very good moment for him. And for sure his father will be very, very proud and happy about Brandon,” he stated.