FC Goa head coach Manolo Marquez expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance following their 4-1 victory over Chennaiyin FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) match at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Sunday night
The Gaurs beat 10-man Chennaiyin FC in convincing fashion as they moved up to the second spot in the standings. Rahim Ali opened the scoring for Chennaiyin FC.
However, FC Goa hit back with goals from Borja Herrera, Carlos Martinez and Brandon Fernandes in the second half. Martinez doubled his tally in the second half to give FC Goa a three-goal cushion.
Although the visitors did have their chances in the second half, they found it hard to overcome the deficit, concluding their league stage on a losing note.
The Gaurs now have 45 points after 22 games, level with Mohun Bagan Super Giant. A defeat for the Mariners in Monday’s League decider clash against Mumbai City FC, will see FC Goa finish in the second position.
Marquez acknowledged that his team did not have the best of starts but was happy with the way they responded.
“We didn’t start in a good way with a lot of doubts, even though they didn’t play with a lot of players that are regular in the lineup. But they are aggressive, it’s not important (who plays), it’s all the style of Owen. Then if you enter in the pitch and you are doubting you can have these kinds of problems,” Marquez said during the post-match press conference.
He continued, “But for us, it was very good, the drinks break because we could speak. It’s not about being a magician, it’s just that we could speak. After 30 minutes we needed to change something, and they understood very well, the message. It’s not a coincident that we scored immediately. But our reaction was very good.”
“The first goal, the second goal which was with the red card. And we even scored the third goal before the half-time. Practially, it was over in the first half. I am very satisfied with the performance of the team, especially after the 31 minutes,” he added.
FC Goa captain Fernandes netted his first goal of the season. The midfielder payed tribute to his late father during his goal celebration, who passed away nearly a year ago.
Marquez was delighted for his club’s captain after what was an emotional game for the Goa-born player.
“Very emotional moment I think (for him). I didn’t know his father, unfortunately, but I know I was there the other day in the church (for his death anniversary service) and it was practically full. Very nice ceremony. I think that Brandon deserved his goal because of his history in this club and he was searching for this goal,” he said.
“Finally the other day, even in Jamshedpur (against Jamshedpur FC) he missed a clear chance. But today he scored the goal and was it very nice. A very good moment for him. And for sure his father will be very, very proud and happy about Brandon,” Marquez stated.
FC Goa will come to know about their fate in the league standings on Monday. They have spent the most days at the top of the table this season and were in contention for winning the Shield before Odisha FC’s defeat to Mumbai City FC. Marquez spoke about the fine margins in the league and said his team will finish in the position they deserve.
“It’s about a long (league) competition about details in every game,” Marquez said.
“But finally, again, you finish the regular season in the position that you deserve. If we are second, we will deserve it. If we are third, we will deserve to finish third,” he added.
