Hyderabad FC head coach Manolo Marquez was very happy with the reception that they got from the people as the match happened away from home at the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex. It was one of the most breathtaking games of this season as it ended in a 3-3 draw.
The defending champions were down a goal when Chinglensana conceded an own goal but Joao Victor made amends by converting from the spot to restore parity in the first half. Later Halicharan Narzary registered himself on the scoresheet and Victor also completed his brace. But it was not enough as star signings Greg Stewart and Alberto Noguera both stepped up and saw that the Islanders return home with at least a point.
Marquez was satisfied with his team’s fighting spirit and praised his boys for a brilliant display. He also claimed that Mumbai City have everything in their team to finish in the top four this season.
Speaking about the fact that the Nizams had to play in Pune instead of their home ground back in Hyderabad, Marquez thought it would be another game in the bio bubble kind of feeling. However he was surprised to witness so many fans cheering for his team. “It is true that we had to play in Pune, but I was surprised that a lot of people who came from Mumbai – which is close by – but also from Hyderabad, even from Pune. I think that it was a very good atmosphere. Two days ago, I was thinking that it would be another game like in the bio-bubble, but it was impossible to speak with the players on the pitch because the spectators were cheering loudly throughout the game,” Marquez shared.
The Spaniard then highlighted how his team entered the second half with an attacking mindset and took the attack to the opposition. He also praised the fact that the team stuck together even during tough times and ended up winning a point.
The Spanish tactician highlighted, “I think we entered the second half in a good way. Some players, such as Yasir (Mohammad), played a fantastic game. I think that I’m extremely happy with the performances of some players because we had a difficult pre-season, and now I am very satisfied with the performance of the team. Our team stuck together in the best as well as the worst moments, which is very difficult to do.”
Lastly Marquez shared how he always had the feeling of Mumbai City coming back to the game even when the Nizams were winning. He shared how he was sweating thinking about the game and feels the Islanders will make it to the top four this season.
“I was thinking about the match so much that I was sweating a lot because it was incredible, even when we were losing, we had the feeling that we could turn the score. And the same was the scene, when we were winning 2-1 and 3-2, there was a feeling that they could equalise the game because they have incredibly good players and I’m completely sure that Mumbai City FC would be in the top four this season. And I think our team wants to win more, and we will compete like this again,” he concluded.
