ISL 2022-23: Today was the last chance to win the Shield – Hyderabad FC’s Manolo Marquez

Hyderabad FC head coach Manolo Marquez was delighted with the performance of his team against table-toppers Mumbai City FC at the Mumbai Football Arena, Mumbai on Saturday. The match ended in a 1-1 draw and the Spaniard feels it was the last chance to win the League Shield.

Pereyra Diaz scored for the home team in the 23rd minute through a spot kick whereas Hitesh Sharma found the equalizer for the Nizams in the second half.

This result ended Mumbai City FC’s streak of 11 wins but they are still seven points clear of Hyderabad, who have one more game in hand. Marquez feels it was a fair result as both teams had their chances. Mumbai City FC took four shots on target whereas Hyderabad FC could only manage a single shot on target.

“In my opinion, it’s a fair result. They had some chances, and we had some chances. They scored from a clear penalty. In the second half, we played very well for the first 20-25 minutes and then we scored a goal through Hitesh Sharma who scored his first goal. He deserves that because he is a player who works and learns a lot in every training session,” Marquez said in the post-match press conference.

“We were very tired in the last few minutes. We wanted to try to win the game in the last few minutes but we could have lost the match as well as with (Alberto) Noguera and (Greg) Stewart created a lot of danger. But I am very happy and proud of my players. It’s incredible that the season that these guys are producing,” he added.

The Hyderabad FC gaffer admitted that the Islanders are the best team in the tournament but also feels they are a tough team to beat.

“We played a good game. It was a tactical game and we have to take into account the level of the opponent we faced. In the last three seasons, we have lost less than ten matches. So we are a tough team to beat,” the Spaniard said.

“Today was the last chance to win the Sheild, but Mumbai City FC is the best team in the league and that’s all. We drew both games against them. So, these are two extra points that probably other teams will be able to get,” he added.

Marquez feels a fit Joao Victor could have made the difference for them at the fag end of the game.

“Mumbai City FC were able to replace Greg Stewart with Alberto Noguera. I think this the difference between a good team and a great team. We have a good team and I am very satisfied with my players, but if we had Joao Victor available we could have done something more towards the end of the game,” Marquez said.

“For Mumbai, (Rostyn) Griffiths played as a defensive midfielder for Mumbai City FC, but he played that position in Australia on most occasions. I think he is the best foreign player in the competition. He is a very important player for Mumbai City FC’s team,” he added.