FC Goa head coach Manolo Marquez recently stressed the importance of a captain leading from the front. Drawing inspiration from legendary defender Carles Puyol, Manolo urged FC Goa captain Brandon Fernandes to work on his mentality and character.
Manuel Marquez opens Up on Carles Puyol
Manolo, who hails from Barcelona, made a shocking comparison to emphasize the need for strong leadership. He stated, “I am from Barcelona and I love Carles Puyol, why? Carles Puyol, with the ball, was 1000 times worse than Brandon. Yes. But, when his team conceded one goal, this is the moment that you need to show leadership (like Puyol did). We need to improve in this aspect because character and mentality are very, very important.”
The Gaurs’ Heartbreaking Loss
In the 2023-24 ISL semifinal first leg against Mumbai City FC, FC Goa lost by a 3-2 margin. Despite maintaining a two-goal advantage, they conceded three goals after the 90th minute. Lallianzuala Chhangte scored a brace, and Vikram Partap Singh added another for the visitors. Earlier in the match, Boris Singh Thangjam opened the scoring for the hosts, with skipper Brandon Fernandes doubling the lead before being substituted in the 85th minute.
When questioned about his substitutions during the heartbreaking loss, Manolo Marquez stood firm. He asserted that those who questioned his decisions lacked an understanding of football. “We played a very good game. Everyone that speaks about the substitutions is people that are not involved in football, and they don’t have any idea about football.”
Sadly Things did not go as Manolo Marquez would have wanted to, FC Goa failed to qualify for the ISL Final but they had a season to remember.FC Goa played a very high-pressing, high-intensity football with new talents emerging from their ranks.FC Goa will be looking to come strong next season create an even greater impact and finally lift the trophy after so many disappointments in the last decade.
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