ISL 2023-24: We are in a position we deserve – Manolo Marquez after draw against Punjab FC

FC Goa head coach Manolo Marquez shared his disappointment after a 3-3 draw against Punjab FC in the 19th match week of the ongoing Indian Super League at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on Monday.

Marquez said they are in a position they deserve after sharing a point with the Shers. Carl McHugh scored in the fifth minute for the Gaurs but Wilmar Jordan equalized for the hosts in the 54th minute. Luka Majcen then helped Staikos Vergetis’ team to take a lead in the 61st minute.

However, Noah Sadaoui equalized for the visitors in the 72nd minute. Juan Mera once again gave a lead to the home team after six minutes but Carlos Martinez equalized for the tourists.

With this draw, FC Goa confirmed their qualification for the playoffs but Marquez was not happy with his team’s performance. FC Goa were in supreme position to win the League Shield but they haven’t been at their best in the recent past, managing a solitary win in the last five matches with two losses and as many draws.

“If it’s fair or unfair (the score), it doesn’t matter. I think we don’t have enough team (spirit) to fight for the Shield. This is the reality because we don’t have character. I saw the statistics..20 (shots), I don’t know how many (exactly) but nine on target. When you don’t have Ogbeche in your team, it’s very difficult. You can have a lot of players that people like a lot but if they don’t find the net, you can play 70 hours,” he said in the post-match press conference.

“Today we scored three goals and then we conceded. We conceded I don’t know how many goals in the competition, but four in half-time in Kerala (against Kerala Blasters FC) and three in half time today. Without character, without personality, we are in the position we deserve. We don’t deserve to be fighting for the Shield,” he added.

Meanwhile, FC Goa had 61.5% possession and took nine shots on target (10 shots off target) but could not make the most of their chances.

“Today is our 18th game. If you check the statistics, in all 18 games, we have created more chances than the opponent and then there are some things that doesnt work. And maybe people think that this is the best part of our team (creating more chances than the opponent) and I can tell you that this is not the best part of our team. When you play like this: one day very good, one day bad, one day normal, if you are not consistent, you cannot fight for nothing, in this case the Shield,” he explained.

FC Goa will next take on Bengaluru FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Goa on March 14.