ISL 2022-23: Won the game because we played through our style: HFC head coach Manolo Marquez

Hyderabad FC head coach Manolo Marquez believes the team won the game against Bengaluru FC as they backed their own style of play. The reigning champions won by 1-0 at the G.M.C Balayogi Athletic Stadium, in Hyderabad, on Saturday.

The home team dominated the possession with 56% and took a total of four shots on target. Bartholomew Ogbeche scored in the 83rd minute to put his team in front and it was enough for his team to secure three crucial points.

This was Hyderabad’s second win of the season and they will look to continue the good show.

Sharing his thoughts on the match, Manolo Marquez said in the post-match press conference, “Obviously, it was really good to have won this game. It was not only my first time in the stadium but also several players’ first time. Let’s see if we get more people for the next game because after all more people will come to the stadium if they see the team continue winning (momentum). The feeling is incredibly good because we won the game.”

He added, “I am very happy because, in the second half, Hyderabad played like Hyderabad. In the first half, practically speaking, Bengaluru played far better than us. In the second half, it was clear that Hyderabad dominated the game. Bengaluru FC defended very well with extremely good players, but finally, we opened the scoring, and I think if you look at all the chances in the game, this is a fair score.”

The Spaniard gave credit to his players for sticking to the guns and delivering for the team when it mattered the most. Marquez added that his team was able to reap rewards for backing their style of play and they were patient in their approach.

Marquez said, “Yes. In the first half, more or less, we started the game okay, but there was one moment with the long balls, there was a lot of distance between the defenders and the forwards. Hitesh (Sharma) and Joao (Victor) – only two players, four midfielders is impossible (to attack) in their half of the pitch. By half-time we could’ve won, lost, or drawn, but we stuck to one style, our style and this is the reason why we were champions as we played two seasons in this style.”

The gaffer added, “If we don’t play in our style it is difficult, maybe we can add one aspect to it, but I am very satisfied (with the win) because the players understood the message. In the second half, we played through our style, had possession, created chances, won the game, and it was not easy. If you look at the games played by Bengaluru FC, their opponent teams didn’t get to create too many chances against them, but this 1-0 score is very good for us. Now, we have only played three games, and I think our league is very competitive. I don’t know at what position we will finish but the thing I know is that our team is very competitive.”

Hyderabad FC will next take on FC Goa on Saturday at the same venue of G.M.C. Balayogi Athletic Stadium, Hyderabad.