ISL 2023-24: We were better in front of goal than East Bengal FC: FC Goa’s Manolo Marquez

FC Goa’s head coach Manolo Marquez reckons they were better in front of the goal than East Bengal FC after securing a 2-1 win at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneshwar on Saturday. The Gaurs went down a goal in the first half after Mahesh Naorem Singh scored for East Bengal FC in the 41st minute.

However, FC Goa was able to bounce back in the second half as Sandesh Jhinghan equalized in the 71st minute. Subsequently, Victor Rodriguez scored the winner for the Gaurs to help his team grab all three crucial points.

In fact, FC Goa took seven shots on target, six more than the opposition. Both teams had equal possession though but FC Goa looked more threatening in the front of the goal.

“I think in the first half East Bengal FC were better. In the second half, FC Goa were better. But I think we were better in front of the goal than East Bengal FC,” Marquez said at the post-match press conference.

“I didn’t discover anything new today about East Bengal FC. They are a very good team in a lot of aspects. The competition this season is very even,” Marquez said.

FC Goa have got off to a perfect start in the ongoing season, winning all of their three matches and they are in second place in the standings behind Mohun Bagan Super Giant.

“It’s better this season that all teams are playing the same number of matches after every round. For me, nine points in three games is the important thing. We can be top, first or second, and I prefer to be top but the standings can be confusing sometimes,” the Spaniard reacted.

FC Goa will next face Bengaluru FC on Wednesday and Marquez feels it will be crucial for the players to recover.

“Now we focus on our next game in Bengaluru in three days. It will be another tough game. We will see how we can recover the players. But for sure we will be ready,” he concluded.