ISL 2022-23: We have to keep performing to stay in the top two – Hyderabad FC’s Manolo Marquez

Hyderabad FC head coach Manolo Marquez believes his team has to keep performing well to stay in the top two in the standings and they cannot afford to be complacent in the remaining matches of the league stage.

The reigning champions have won 10 matches out of the 13 they have played with two losses and one draw. Thus, they are in second position with a total of 31 points under their belt.

The Nizams will climb to the top of the points table if they manage three points against Chennaiyin FC at their home ground of G.M.C. Balayogi Athletic Stadium, Hyderabad on Thursday. Hyderabad had beaten the Marina Machans by 3-1 when they had last met them earlier in the season and they will once again look to replicate the same show.

“It is always good to perform in front of home support, and I expect a very difficult game since Chennaiyin FC are a good team and they are in a position where they are close to sixth place even after playing a game less than the other teams. I think they are a team that takes risks, and I like the way they play. They have improved in the last few games, and we expect a tough game,” the head coach said in the pre-match press conference.

Meanwhile, Hyderabad FC had won their previous match against FC Goa by 3-1 after Bartholomew Ogbeche scored a hat-trick. However, the Spaniard was not happy with the team’s performance against the Gaurs.

“I was not able to explain how FC Goa plays, and this is the reason I felt we did not appear for the first 55-60 minutes in Goa, but we managed to play well after we scored the second goal,” stated Marquez.

“All the opponents are difficult, and every team can beat the other team with different styles, it is about how you understand to manage every game according to your style,” he added.

Marquez added he is happy that the team is producing the results which they want and he wants his team to continue the impressive run.

“These results make me happy, and I think in some years people will remember these players, but still seven games are remaining, and we have to continue to finish in the top two,” said the head coach.