“Our coach has adopted us as his own,” Hyderabad FC youngster Abdul Rabeeh hails head coach Manolo Marquez

Hyderabad FC have brought football back to life in a city that had a great footballing heritage. The city of Hyderabad was one of the pillars in Indian football back in the 80s and 90s. That spark was missing until Manolo Marquez guided the Nizams to the Indian Super League trophy last season. The state of the Nizams is always known for its attractive brand of football and Marquez’s Nizams are no stranger to this style of play.

Apart from bringing success to the team, Manolo Marquez has also given chances to several Indian youngsters. One such talent has to be young forward Abdul Rabeeh who has made a name for himself with his consistent performances this season. Rabeeh joins the long list of names who have been groomed under Marquez.

The youngster who hails from a football frenzy state of Kerala has had a different experience in Hyderabad. He shared that the spirit around football is not found in any other game and also there a lot of female population who come out and watch the team play at the CMF Balayogi Stadium breaking different notions.

“People in my city, Malappuram, are mad about football. But when I joined the Hero ISL with Hyderabad FC, it was a bit different. They are a unique team that gives chances to young players,” he said in an interview with The Pioneer.

“The spirit of football isn’t found in any other game. No storm, no hurricane, can stop it. There is the grapevine that girls don’t usually like watching or playing football, but I see girls out there who love football! That’s the beauty of the game,” he further added speaking about the love for the sport in Hyderabad.

The 22-year-old can proudly say that the club has given him enough chances this season. He featured in 16 league matches this time and provided three assists. His energy and presence on the pitch added some dimension to Hyderabad FC’s attack. However with time he will have to score goals aswell and Marquez would like the youngster to step up and take the initiative.

On his off days the youngster takes a tour around the city and discovers the culture and heritage. Apart from culture, food is also a very important part of Hyderabadi heritage and mos tof his teammates are foodies, Marquez had to announce a strict diet for the players. However Rabeeh shares that the team bonding is exceptional and even their Spanish head coach becomes one of their own during one of their cheat days meal at a famous restaurant in the city.

“Every weekend is a battle, and we are willing to die on the field for one another. To share that experience with my compatriots and an excellent coach with a huge mentality is a privilege. Off the pitch, our coach adopted us as their own—we just happened to be from another nation. We all spent time together in the city, at restaurants, and at each other’s homes. I have that unity to thank for our on-pitch success,” the youngster concluded.

Rabeeh will be looking to prove himself in the knockout stages as the Nizams aim to defend their title at any cost. Manolo Marquez’s men will play the winner of the knockout clash between ATK Mohun Bagan and Odisha FC.