“Goa can beat any team in the ISL,” FC Goa’s new boss Manolo Marquez promises to build a strong team for the upcoming season

Manolo Marquez has joined FC Goa after enjoying a very successful stint with Hyderabad FC, which saw them win the Indian Super League in the 2021-22 season. Marquez will be looking to break FC Goa’s drought in the ISL. The Gaura have been impressive but they have failed to get the desired results.

The Spanish tactician is upbeat ahead of the 2023-24 season with the Gaurs. In his first conference as the FC Goa head coach, Marquez has opened up on the areas that the club needs to improve in days to come.

“We’ve taken a detailed look into the squad; we’ve discussed things to improve with the club’s management. While I cannot tell you the details yet, I know that we’ll field a good team, and enjoy a good season,” said the 54-year-old in an online interaction with journalists on Tuesday.

He highlights how the team must have the right balance so that they can play different styles. He feels that if the team can achieve the right balance then they can do well in the league.

“You need a balanced team that can play more than one style of football. If we are able to do this, then we can hope to do well in the league. As of now, we have the pre-season period to work on this, then we’ll see,” Marquez added.

The Spaniard refrained from comparing the two teams. He found great success with Hyderabad FC as he guided them to the trophy and also led them to the playoffs multiple times. He believes that FC Goa will be a new chapter in his managerial career.

“When you’re starting work in a new club, you cannot compare that with your previous jobs. For me, FC Goa is a new chapter, a new assignment and I’m starting afresh. We would like to start training as soon as possible with the new season now beginning, and we would like to take things from there in a step-by-step fashion,” he explained.
FC Goa have seen ups and downs in the ISL but one thing that has not changed is their club philosophy. It is something that forced Marquez to accept the offer despite receiving several other offers from the ISL.

The former Hyderabad FC feels that some managers have a distinct style of play whereas some adapt to their players. Manolo feels it has to be a mix for him. “Some coaches say they have a fixed style of play while some say that they have to adapt to the players. To me, I feel it’s a mix. FC Goa’s players are already adapted to a style of play and I will work with them to improve on it.
“About the philosophy, I think FC Goa’s importance on youth development and attacking football are something that most teams would want to emulate. It’s good that we already have it,” he revealed.
He feels that FC Goa will be very competitive in the upcoming season and he promises the fans to build a very strong team and will look to improve on the base that FC Goa already have. “FC “Goa can beat any team in the Hero ISL – be it in home or away conditions. This year, we will try to build a very competitive team by improving on what we already have, and our aim is to definitely compete for the top honours,” he concluded.

Manolo Marquez is known for developing a philosophy and handing chances to young players. This with FC Goa’s philosophy fits really well as a combination. It will be interesting to see what the Spanish tactician can achieve with this team.