NT Reporter
Fatorda
FC Goa will look to bounce back from their first defeat of the Indian Super League season when they host Odisha FC at the PJN Stadium, Fatorda, on Thursday.
The Gaurs head into the fixture after suffering a 2-0 loss to Bengaluru FC, with goals from Sunil Chhetri and Namgyal Bhutia condemning Manolo Marquez’s side to their first setback of the campaign.
Reflecting on the defeat, head coach Manolo Marquez admitted his disappointment with his side’s start.
“I was disappointed with how we started the game. You cannot concede one goal in the third minute against a team with the experience that Bengaluru has,” said Marquez.
Odisha FC arrive in Goa on the back of a narrow 1-0 defeat to Mumbai City FC, where Lallianzuala Chhangte scored the decisive goal. Despite Odisha’s recent loss, Marquez expects another stern examination for his side.
“They are a team that is very good, well organised in defence and for sure it will be a difficult game,” he said.
The Spaniard also stressed the significance of taking the initiative in what he expects to be a tightly contested affair.
“The team who scores the first goal tomorrow will be very important.”
Marquez, meanwhile, reiterated his concerns over the structure of the current campaign.
“This is not a normal competition. Thirteen games is not a serious championship.”
With the season entering a crucial phase, the FC Goa boss hinted that opportunities could be handed to younger players as the club continues planning for the future. “We will have chances to see more young players performing in the main team. Tomorrow you will see new players on the ground,” he stated.
