FC Goa in very good position, says Manolo Marquez amid ISL Shield hopes
FC Goa kept the ISL League Shield race wide open with a commanding 3-1 victory over Mumbai City FC at the Mumbai Football Arena on Wednesday night. With a brace from Iker Guarrotxena and a strike from Borja Herrera, the Gaurs not only strengthened their grip on a top-three finish but also ended Mumbai’s five-year, 13-match unbeaten head-to-head streak against them – incidentally on the same date they last defeated the Islanders in 2020.
Head Coach Manolo Marquez, addressing the media after the match, acknowledged the significance of the result in the grand scheme of the season.
“The important thing is that we won a very difficult game, and we are in a very good position to finish the season at least in the top three. Let’s see what happens now,” the 56-year-old stated, reflecting on how the victory keeps FC Goa in contention at the top of the table.
Taking the lead proved crucial on the night, as the Men in Orange were able to dictate terms after striking first.
Manolo Marquez emphasized the psychological advantage of scoring early, especially in a high-stakes fixture. “In these kinds of games, especially when you are approaching the end of the season, it’s important to score before the opponent because you are nervous, you need to win. Everyone is fighting (for something) – Mohun Bagan Super Giant for the Shield and other teams to reach the top, second place, the playoffs and so on,” he said.
Goa executed their game plan to perfection, pressing high and capitalizing on Mumbai’s defensive lapses. By halftime, the visitors were two goals up and in control of proceedings.
“Even though we are still with not too many (possibilities) but some possibilities to win the ISL Shield, a lot of teams are fighting for the top six, and it’s important because we could manage the game better with these two goals in the first half. And in the second half, obviously, we know what kind of team Mumbai City are. We were strong mentally. I feel that when we scored the third goal, it became difficult for the opponent to turn the game around,” the tactician observed.
While the win was nearly flawless, FC Goa’s night ended on a slightly frustrating note when a last-minute penalty allowed the Islanders to pull one back.
“I’m disappointed about the goal that we conceded because we could have lost the goalkeeper for the next game. Fortunately, it (the foul) was inside the box, and it was a penalty; if it had been outside the box, it would have been a red card,” Manolo Marquez commented.
With this victory, the Gaurs not only cemented their place in the upper echelons of the table but also sent a clear message to Mohun Bagan Super Giant, the current Shield leaders. And with a direct clash against the Kolkata giants still on the horizon, Marquez is keeping his sights set on the ultimate prize.
“We have to play against them (Mohun Bagan Super Giant). I have to count on that game as a win, but obviously, it will be very difficult. They are playing very well; they have a lot of players who can decide games even when they are not playing well. Obviously, when they don’t play good football, they are able to manage a lot of situations and still keep clean sheets.”
With just a few rounds remaining, FC Goa have made their intentions clear – they are here to fight till the very end. Next up, they return to Fatorda to take on Kerala Blasters FC in another high-stakes clash that could further shape the League Shield race.
