Hyderabad FC have looked like the most menacing team in the new Indian Super League season as they are currently at the top of the table and have continued their form from last season. Ahead of their match against Shield Winners, Jamshedpur FC, coach Manolo Marquez credits the unity in the team which makes them a very strong side and it is never about individual players.
The Nizams are in great form and they will look to continue that as they will take on Jamshedpur FC at the JRD Tata Sp[orts Complex on Wednesday in search of their next win. Hyderabad FC are a very balanced unit with players like Bartholomew Ogbeche and Joao Victor who have scored the goals but also Mohammed Yasir who has been sensational with his service registering two assists and a goal till now. They have also done great at the back with Odei Onaindia’s return to the ISL. Apart from Mumbai City FC, Hyderabad FC are the only team who are undefeated in the league till now.
Marquez who shared his thoughts ahead of the game against Jamshedpur FC highlighted how a every season is different from another and though he understands that Jamshedpur FC have players from last season, the change in coach is a big factor for the Spaniard. Marquez honestly feels that the players are still adapting to the style of the new coach and hence they have faltered at places. He understands how it is difficult for a new coach to immediately produce results but expects a cracker of a match.
“Every season is different. One big difference is the continuity in our team. I know Jamshedpur FC have a lot of players who were part of their squad from last season. But when you change the coach, it’s not easy. Owen Coyle had a clear style and in some moments (this season) Jamshedpur FC are still adapting (to the new coach’s methods). In some moments, they have played very well and not that well in some moments. These things happen when a coach arrives at a new club. But all of us know that it will be a very tough game. Let’s see what happens on Wednesday,” Marquez stated at the pre-match press conference.
While Ogbeche, Yasir and Narzary have continued their fine form from last season, Marquez is not bothered about individual performances and believes in team game. He feels there are other players aswell who have done well and have the capacity to do well in future.
“We are not only focused on these three players. We have Joel, we have Javier Siverio, Borja Herrera and many other young players who have a good future. Halicharan is not part of the national team, but has made more than 30 appearances for India. Yasir is one player who is in the squad list under Igor Stimac. It’s not about attack or defence, the strength of our team is the group. On and off the pitch. We are a difficult team to beat, but we know that if we are not focused, we can lose games,” the Spanish tactician opened up.
Hyderabad FC were at the bottom of the table in their first ISL season and there were questions on how they can improve from there. However ever since Manolo marquez’s arrival the club has only strived for success as he landed the ISL trophy last season and will have an eye on doing the double this time. When asked what changed at the club, Marquez shared the vision of the club and the coach were same and therefore it survived the bad phase.
“When I arrived in India, from the first training session I found a group that was focused on listening, learning and everything was good. The relationship between the foreing and Indian players was, and is fantastic. When the coach and the club are in the same direction, you can surpass even the bad moments,” the Spanaird signed off.
