It is a knockout game for us: Hyderabad FC coach

Speaking on the eve of their clash against Goa, coach Manolo Marquez said their team is high on confidence

Hyderabad: Hyderabad Football Club need nothing less than a win against FC Goa in their final league match to make it to the top four while the opposition needs just a draw. Hyderabad FC coach Manolo Marquez, however, agreed that they are on a disadvantage because of the equation but said it would not affect their game.

Speaking on the eve of their clash against Goa, the 52-year-old Spaniard said their team is high on confidence. “The mood in the camp is very good like always. It would have been better if NorthEast had lost their two games. But they had a fantastic season. It is like a knockout game for us. We must win to continue in the league. I am sure it will be a hard game for both of us. Of course, we are on the disadvantaged side. But at the end of the season, the best teams will be in the top four.”

Hyderabad will miss three key players – their top scorer Aridane Santana who picked up his fourth yellow card, Ashish Rai (injured) and Chinglensana Singh (red card). But the coach is confident that the young team can pull off a win. “Of course, these three guys are important but this team showed that they can play well without them as well. We did well in the league so far without these players in a few games. One of the strengths of this team is they are very brave and confident. It is not important who are playing g or who are not. We definitely prefer them to play but it is football.”

Both FC Goa and Hyderabad FC have had only three losses so far and were impressive in their season so far. But the result will end one of the team’s journeys in the season and Manolo Marquez felt it would be harsh for a team to go out of fray. “Whoever misses out (on the top four finish) it is very harsh. But that is football. There were a lot of draws in this competition, not just for Hyderabad or Goa. The competition is very tough and all the other teams have equal chances. It will be harsh on any team who fails to progress.”

He also said Goa’s Igor Angulo is a good player and it is tough to mark him. “He is a very dangerous centre forward. He can be the top scorer in the league. He is a very good player with a lot of experience.”

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