‘Game against Mumbai was our complete performance’

Coach Manolo Marquez Roca feels their 0-0 draw is also very satisfying given the quality of opposition. “For me, it was a very good game for us. That is one of the most complete games this season.

Hyderabad: Hyderabad Football Club not only managed to hold a mighty Mumbai City FC to a goalless draw in their previous game, but they were, at some point, could have taken full points had they converted two chances through Liston Colaco and Joel Chianese.

However, coach Manolo Marquez Roca feels their 0-0 draw is also very satisfying given the quality of opposition. “For me, it was a very good game for us. That is one of the most complete games this season. Considering our opponents, who are very strong, I am happy. It is true that we had good chances with Liston and Joel. But sometimes, you score some difficult ones and miss easy chances. If we count the chances, we were closer than Mumbai. But I am very satisfied with the results,” said the coach on the eve of their clash against bottom-placed Odisha Fc.

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He also reckons the draw would boost the confidence of his players. “For sure, it will boost our confidence. We wanted to win the game but the performance of the team was very good in all aspects. Physically, tactically and technically we played a good game. The confidence will be high for sure after that game. But like always, keep calm and ready for the next challenge. We played only 11 games. We have nine more games,” added the Spaniard.

He also lauded the team’s defence unit for thwarting strong Mumbai attack and maintaining a clean sheet. “We didn’t get a clean sheet after the second game. But against Mumbai, our defence was good. The players understood the plan of the game and played very compactly. Mumbai didn’t find space between our lines. They didn’t create very clear chances. The clean sheet was fair and we deserve that. It is not about Kattimani alone or the line of defenders but the whole team worked as a unit and had a good day.”

A win will cement HFC’s place in the top four but the 52-year-old manager is not worried about the points table yet. He rated Odisha as an improved side from their first leg where Hyderabad won 1-0. “The first leg was totally different. A few players didn’t play the first leg. We played better than Odisha but it was a 1-0 win for us through penalty. Odisha are playing better in the last few games. Though they are at the bottom of the table, they are a good side,” ha added.

Hyderabad FC are playing their second game in three days but the coach has no complaints. “It is difficult but all the teams are in the same situation at different stages of the league. I would prefer to play every six or seven days. But the situation is different and we knew the schedule,” he concluded.

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