ISL 2023-24: We’ll face NorthEast United FC with a strong mentality: FC Goa’s Manolo Marquez

FC Goa’s head coach Manolo Marquez has said they will face NorthEast United FC with a strong mentality in the 16th Matchweek of the ongoing Indian Super League at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Goa on Wednesday.

The Gaurs lost their first match of the season in the previous encounter against defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant by 1-0. On the other hand, NorthEast United suffered a 4-2 loss against the same opposition on Saturday while playing away from home.

Manolo Marquez’s team has won eight out of the 13 matches they have played in the ongoing season and are three points behind table-toppers Odisha FC but have two matches in hand.

“Whenever a team goes on an unbeaten run of matches, a defeat is getting closer and closer. I know it’s a negative statement, but that’s how it is. I don’t know a single player or coach who has not suffered a single loss in his or her career. Hence, what matters more is how a team reacts after such a result,” Marquez said in the pre-match press conference.

The Spaniard added that the Highlanders have a good team and they have a good coach in Juan Pedro Benali.

“NorthEast United FC are a good team with a good coach,” he stated.

“The team is better than what they were in the first leg of the season. But we need to remember that we are FC Goa and that we need to enter the pitch tomorrow (on Wednesday) with complete focus and confidence in ourselves,” he added.

On the other hand, Udanta Singh said the team always looks to come up with a collective show and they have a winning mentality at the club.

“When the coach arrives, he demands a lot from everyone on the pitch,” he said.

“We have to clear out, even if there is a small mistake. We have to play as a team. We have a winning mentality in the FC Goa team right now,” he added.
Singh brushed aside their loss against Mohun Bagan Super Giant and he is optimistic of a positive result against NorthEast United FC.

“We had to lose even though we fought hard. It’s not a big problem.”

“We can lose a match, but it’s a comeback match against NorthEast United FC. So, we are working hard in practice, and we’re looking forward to the match,” he signed off.