We are better prepared for Chennaiyin FC this time: Manolo Marquez

Hyderabad: Hyderabad Football Club suffered their first loss in last nine matches when they went down to Kerala Blasters FC 0-1 in their previous game. The Manolo Marquez coached side, however, is confident of returning to winning ways when they take on Chennaiyin FC, on Thursday. Hyderabad began their ISL campaign with a loss in […]

Hyderabad: Hyderabad Football Club suffered their first loss in last nine matches when they went down to Kerala Blasters FC 0-1 in their previous game. The Manolo Marquez coached side, however, is confident of returning to winning ways when they take on Chennaiyin FC, on Thursday.

Hyderabad began their ISL campaign with a loss in their first match against the same opponents. But the Spaniard says they are well prepared this time to settle the scores with their southern neighbours. “The team is better prepared for Chennayin FC this time. It was an accident to lose that game (season opener) against them. I don’t remember any clear chances for Chennaiyin in that game. They took advantage of one mistake from us. But we are confident this time,” said the 53-year-old on the eve of the match.

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Hyderabad were on an eight-match unbeaten run before their loss against Kerala in the previous match. The coach attributed the loss to missed chances. “Against Kerala, it was not one of our worst games. We missed some clear chances. They have some good offensive players. We will continue in a good line. We had a good season so far. If we repeat the same performance in the second leg, we will be in the play-offs. Every game is crucial,” he added.

Hyderabad are currently placed fourth in the points table with 16 points from 10 games. A win here will take them to the top of the table while a loss will see Chennaiyin go past the Hyderabad outfit. However, they will miss the services of Bartholomew Ogbeche, who is leading the golden boot race with nine goals. The Hyderabad striker amassed four yellow cards that put him out of action for this game. When asked what impact his absence would have on the team, he replied ‘zero’.

Given that the competition is so tough and each team will be seen in action every three to four days, Marquez said, “We play in a very difficult competition. We don’t know what will happen. The team which is mentally stronger has more possibility than other teams to go the distance in the league,” he concluded.

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