ISL 2023-24: We need show that we want three points – Manolo Marquez ahead East Bengal FC clash

FC Goa head coach Manolo Marquez has urged his players to show more fight and intent against East Bengal FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Goa on Wednesday. After going unbeaten in the first 11 matches of the tournament, the Gaurs have failed to register a single win in the last five matches.

Marquez’s team has suffered three losses and has managed two draws in the last five matches and with playoff qualification heating up, this is not the right time to lose the winning impetus.

“Every game is a perfect moment to win if you lose the last match. We need to get onto the pitch tomorrow and show that we want three points,” Marquez said in the pre-match press conference on Tuesday (March 5).

“In the first leg, we won some games maybe we didn’t deserve to win. But against Kerala and Mumbai, we must have come back with six points but only came back with one. We played good football but only for 45 minutes. The title race is still on and every team will finish in the position that they deserve. All is not done,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Spaniard tactician added there is not a big advantage for any team in the ISL while playing at home.

“I know Goa is stronger at home than away. But I don’t believe in ISL, there is a difference between playing at home and away. In I League, there is a lot (difference),” Marquez concluded.

Marquez also confirmed that Brandon Fernandes is available for selection against East Bengal FC. Fernandes had missed the previous two matches due to illness.

Meanwhile, Noah Sadaoui, Nim Dorjee, Oder Onaindia, and Rowlin Borges are on three Yellow cards and thus they need to be cautionary against East Bengal FC.