ISL: Marquez delighted with Hyderabad’s fine run

Hyderabad: Hyderabad Football Club are on a roll in the Indian Super League (ISL). The team from the land of Nawabs is unbeaten in their last seven matches to be placed second place in the points table with 15 points. They recorded their biggest win (6-1) against Odisha FC in their previous game. However, they […]

Hyderabad: Hyderabad Football Club are on a roll in the Indian Super League (ISL). The team from the land of Nawabs is unbeaten in their last seven matches to be placed second place in the points table with 15 points.

They recorded their biggest win (6-1) against Odisha FC in their previous game. However, they will face a stern test when they take on ATK Mohun Bagan in their next game on Wednesday.

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Mohun Bagan are currently placed at the fourth place with 14 points. A win here for any side will propel them to the top of the table while a draw is enough for the Hyderabad outfit to jump to the top on goal difference.

However, Hyderabad coach Manolo Marquez expects a tough outing. Speaking on the eve of the match, the 53-year-old Spaniard is happy with the team’s form so far.

“We were in a very similar situation last season in January. We won seven games. If you are unbeaten it means you get at least a draw. That helps you to be in a good position in the table. However, seven to eight teams are in a similar situation with just a point difference,” he said.

Hyderabad also have the best defence record conceding the least goals in the league so far with just seven and the Spaniard is happy with the performance.

“For me, the team that concedes less goals will definitely have better results. If we finish the league with the same stats of conceding the least number of goals, I am sure we will reach top 4. The important thing is to continue in the same fashion,” he added.

Speaking about Mohun Bagan’s team, he said, “ATK is a big team and they will not only be in race for a top 4 finish but they are title contenders as well. We are in the middle part of the competition and this time is crucial. The wins are a confidence booster for the team but you need time to improve. When you play against a strong team, every detail is important. For sure, the players like Liston (Colaco), Roy Krishna and Manvir (Singh) and others are dangerous players. We have to try and play our style of game instead of trying to defend these players.”

He also lauded Bartholomew Ogbeche, who is at the top of the golden boot race along with Mumbai City FC’s Igor Alboniga with eight goals, and said the player is crucial for the side’s fortunes. “He is always helping the young players in the side. He is a great player with a lot of experience. He is very important to us.”

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