Manolo Marquez credits tactical changes after win against Kerala Blasters FC

FC Goa head coach Manolo Marquez gave credit to the tactical adjustments he made after a 2-0 win against Kerala Blasters FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Goa in the ongoing Indian Super League on Sunday.

Right after a goalless first half, Iker Guarrotxena found the bottom right corner of the goal whereas Mohammad Yasir was able to put the game to bed in the 73rd minute.

Marquez reckons they were not at their best in the first half and swapping Udanta Singh, Mohammad Yasir, and Dejan Drazic’s positions helped them score against the Yellow Tuskers. The Gaurs had 52.3% and took six shots on target.

“The change of position among Udanta Singh, Mohammad Yasir, and Dejan Drazic was very important. In the first half, Udanta was not comfortable on the left, Yasir was not comfortable on the right, and Dejan was not comfortable in the middle. They played in different positions in the second half. Udanta is a better player on the right, and Dejan is a better player on the left,” Marquez explained in the post-match press conference.

“It was only a change of position, and we scored immediately. Sometimes you can do different things and it doesn’t work. But today, they were more comfortable in the second half, and practically when we scored the second goal, the game was over,” he added.

FC Goa have already qualified for the playoffs and they are currently in second place in the ISL standings.

“Our target today was to win the game, to continue. Let’s see if tomorrow Odisha FC can get one or three points in Kolkata,” he said.

The Spaniard added that the aim is to finish among the top two teams before the league phase comes to a close.

“You know how we are, as coaches. I will tell you game by game. We need to go to Delhi and play against Punjab FC and try to win. To arrive in the top two, I think the season has been very, very good, especially considering how we started the competition,” he stated.

FC Goa will next take on Punjab FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Delhi on Thursday.