Defending champions Hyderabad FC head coach Manolo Marquez feels they need to be perfect to win the game against FC Goa, which will be played at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Goa on Thursday. The Nizams are currently in second place in the standings with nine wins in 12 matches. They have suffered two losses and have managed one draw in the ongoing league.
When these two teams met earlier in the season, Hyderabad FC had won by 1-0 and they will be looking to replicate the same performance against the Gaurs. Hyderabad FC has won their last four matches in the tournament and they would want to continue the good show against Carlos Pena’s men.
“It is going to be a very tough game, and it is true that they have better results at home than away, they are a very good team with a coach who knows the team, and they are a team that will qualify for the top six. It will be a tough game for both teams on Thursday,” Marquez said at the pre-match press conference.
However, despite the win in the reverse fixture, the Spaniard admitted his team didn’t play well. Marquez feels they need to be at their absolute best if they have to get three points.
“They will keep playing with the same style, we did not play a good game against them in the reverse fixture, so for us, it is good that we win these kinds of games. We have to be perfect against them if we are to win or at least play a good game,” he stated.
Marquez added the business end of the tournament is always exciting as the teams will try their best to qualify for the playoffs.
“It is true that in this moment of the competition, even the teams below the top six have chances to arrive in the top six and qualify for the playoffs, the fight will be very hard,” he concluded.
Hyderabad FC striker Aaren D’Silva, who hails from Goa, feels it is going to be a difficult match against the Gaurs as the home team has a strong squad.
“It is a special game because, being from Goa, I have always dreamed of playing there (in Goa). Playing in front of the crowd and the family will really be special, and I hope we perform very well after training,” said D’Silva at the pre-match press conference.
“FC Goa has always been a strong team, they keep the ball well and progress, but we have also trained hard, and we know what to expect from the Gaurs. We are preparing accordingly, so they will have a tough game as well,” he mentioned.
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