ISL 2023-24: I was not braver with the substitutions, says FC Goa’s Manolo Marquez

FC Goa head coach Manolo Marquez admitted he was not braver with the substitutions after a goalless draw against Bengaluru FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru on Wednesday. Both teams shared the spoils as they could not find the back of the net.

In fact, FC Goa dominated the proceedings as they took seven shots on target but could not find the goal. Bengaluru FC veteran goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu was at his absolute best as he made a total of six saves and the visitors could not breach past him.

However, despite losing two points against the Blues, the Gaurs stay at the top of the points table and they are still unbeaten in the 10th season of the ISL.

“You can see the good part or the bad part. The good part is that we have one more point. We are still unbeaten, a clean sheet. In the bad part, I think that we need to have self-criticism, especially myself because I think that I was not braver with the substitutions. Because I was thinking, if you put some offensive players in, you can score but maybe the young players (don’t come) with a lot of experience. They are dangerous in attack and are good at counterattacks, even with just a long ball from Gurpreet. In the end, I chose not to make substitutions, resulting in a 0-0 draw. We earned another point and now shift our focus to the next game,” he stated in the post-match press conference.

The Spaniard showered praise on youngster Jay Gupta but admitted he still has a lot to improve in his game.

“In my opinion, we need to not tell those (good) things to Jay because he’s a player who is learning a lot of things. He has very good qualities. Physically and technically, he’s a very good player, but still, tactically, he needs to improve a lot. It’s true that every action for the people is very nice, but he needs to improve. We are happy with him. But I think that this guy needs more calm,” the Spaniard explained.

FC Goa will next take on Chennaiyin FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai on 5th November.