ISL 2023-24: I’m disappointed with everyone, says FC Goa’s Manolo Marquez after loss against NorthEast United FC

FC Goa’s head coach Manolo Marquez expressed his disappointment after they were stunned 2-0 by NorthEast United at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Goa in the 16th matchweek of the Indian Super League on Wednesday.

After a goalless first half, Highlanders’ in-form striker Tomi Juric scored through a penalty in the 69th minute. Subsequently, Odei Onaindia scored an own goal in the 80th minute of play.

The Gaurs had 61.2% possession and took four shots on target, three more than the opposition but ended on the wrong side of the result.

The Spaniard admitted they played a bad game on the field and thus had to pay the prize against a well-prepared opposition.

“I’m very angry, disappointed with myself, with the players, with everyone,” Marquez said in the post-match press conference.

“I think that we played a bad game. I feel that today, NorthEast United FC knew better about what they had to do on the pitch. This is my feeling. As a team, they (NorthEast United FC) were better even though they scored with one penalty and one corner,” he added.

The gaffer added that the players need to take responsibilities on their shoulders to get the job done for the team.

“We created some chances. But I don’t explain it as very good because the players were not (at their best today),” he stated.

“They don’t know exactly what is happening. And finally, it’s very difficult to play a regular season. It’s very difficult to keep having good moments and be unbeaten. In some moments of football, if you have played before, you know that these kinds of situations can happen,” he added further.

FC Goa have now lost their last two matches, having lost 1-0 against Mohun Bagan Super Giant, and have managed a solitary win in their last five games with two draws. The Spanish tactician feels the character of his team will be tested after these two losses.

“Let’s see. I told you before that you can check the good teams after one defeat,” he commented.

“Now, after two defeats, I repeat, this is the regular season. The team will finish in the position that it deserves. If we are champions, we will deserve to be champions. This is the real competition again, where you play all teams home and away,” Marquez concluded.

FC Goa will next take on Kerala Blasters FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi on Sunday.