ISL 2023-24: We need to improve in a lot of areas, says FC Goa’s Manolo Marquez

FC Goa’s head coach Manolo Marquez feels they need to improve in a lot of areas after their 1-0 win against Jamshedpur FC in the Indian Super League at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa on Monday. Victor Rodriguez scored for the Gaurs in the 82nd minute to give a decisive lead to the home team.

In fact, the hosts took eight shots on target but could only convert a single attempt. Marquez was not happy with the team’s performance despite three crucial points.

“I need to say that obviously, the most important thing is the three points to win. I’m not happy. I think that the performance of the team can be a thousand times better. And it’s true that in 22 games there are good games, normal games, bad games. And if you win this kind of game, it’s important. But, we need to improve in a lot of areas,” stated Marquez at the post-match press conference.

The Spaniard added that it is always a tough challenge to face Jamshedpur FC as they are strong defensively. Thus, it was difficult for them to go deep into their half.

“My opinion is that Jamshedpur FC, tactically, is one of the most difficult teams in the league because they play in a defensive 5-4-1, but when they are in attack, both wingbacks are very deep,” Marquez explained.

“The two midfielders drop the position (and move forward), and the two wingers go inside, and these kinds of movements, if you are not very focused, are very dangerous. I feel that more or less we controlled these situations, except in the last minutes where they attacked a lot. But it’s true that on the other side, I think that we created very clear chances to kill the game before, but it was a very equal game.”

FC Goa will next take on Kerala Blasters FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa on 3rd December and they will aim to continue the winning impetus.