I’m not sure we deserved this point: FC Goa head coach Manolo Marquez after draw against Mohammedan SC

FC Goa head coach Manolo Marquez shared his disappointment after a 1-1 draw against Mohammedan SC in the Indian Super League (ISL) at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata on Saturday. 

Alexis Gomez scored for the I-league champions from a spot kick in the 66th minute but the Gaurs were able to share a point after Armando Sadiku scored in the 94th minute.

Mohammedan SC dominated the contest as they took a total of 18 shots, including seven on target. On the other hand, FC Goa took four shots on target but could not capitalize on their chances.

“We are not in a good moment, especially mentally. It’s not a problem physically or technically because we know the kind of players that we have. But the team seems tired. Even in some moments, we don’t know what to do. Maybe even I don’t know, maybe I was wrong with the lineup and the substitutions. It’s not about finding who is guilty. The positive thing is playing in this way. We got one point in injury time which I’m not sure we deserved,” he said in the post-match press conference. 

Meanwhile, Mohammedan SC bagged their first point in the ISL after losing their opening match against Durand Cup champions NorthEast United FC.

Sharing his thoughts about Mohammedan SC, Marquez said: “They played a good game, same like the other day. I think they are still (dealing) with this physical problem because the pre-season was short or maybe in a similar situation than Punjab FC in the beginning of last season. They are still adapting to the ISL, because two games and lost points in injury times in both games. It’s tough, but I think that the supporters can be proud of this team because they played very well. They have a clear style with a lot of continuity in the players. It was a very difficult game for us. It’s not only because we are in a bad moment, the credit goes to Mohammedan SC also.” 

Alexis Gomez and Franca were brilliant for the home team and the Spaniard showered praise on the talismanic forward duo of the opposition.

“They have very good players. Not only these two foreigners, but they have very good Indian players too. The winger, left footer, Bikash (Sangolsem Singh) I like a lot. I think he is a very good player. Kasimov played a fantastic game. In my opinion he was the best player on the pitch. It was difficult to control them. Both (full-)backs are strong, fast. I think Mohammedan SC has a good team. The other day Juan Pedro Benali, the NorthEast United FC coach, more or less said that not too many teams will beat Mohammedan SC at home and I agree with him,” the Spaniard said. 

FC Goa will look for their first win of the season against East Bengal FC in their next match at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata on Friday.