It’s a dream to coach a team like this one at FC Goa: Manolo Marquez

Panaji: FC Goa coach Manolo Marquez has been left in no doubt that his side deserved to win the Super Cup and book a continental spot.
Goa defeated Jamshedpur FC 3-0 with a brace from Borja Herrera and another one from Dejan Drazic. The win was the first for Manolo against the Khalid Jamil side this season, having lost both games in the Indian Super League (ISL).
“Great tournament, fantastic group and they completely deserve to be the champions,” Manolo told reporters during the post-match media interaction on Saturday. “We arrived here knowing we had to win four games, and we did it. I feel we started the game very well. We knew about the marking and after the first goal, they changed, played normally. Until half time, it was very difficult. But I feel that the second goal killed the game. And then the storm almost killed us. I don’t know if the 3-0 score is fair, but we deserve to win, no doubt about it.”
Goa won the Bandodkar Memorial Trophy at the start of the season with Manolo away on national duty for the semifinals and final. The Super Cup is his first national trophy in two years at the club.
The experienced Spanish coach has previously spoken in glowing terms about the dressing room atmosphere at the club. After the Super Cup triumph, his views were no different.
“In these two seasons, the team was very competitive with two different teams, different styles. This year the group is very, very strong. They are friends, more than teammates. I feel that we were second in the ISL Shield because we found a very strong Mohun Bagan. We lost the semifinal due to small details. Here, we wanted to win, wanted the Asian competition slot and we played four very good games.
“We are very happy because we got this trophy, but I am happier for the group. Not just the players, for all the club staff, a lot of people. I feel, maybe not the best in titles, but Goa is the best club in India in terms of organisation. When you are a coach, it’s a dream to train a team like this because the atmosphere is top,” said Manolo.
Goa wear black armbands
Goa played the Super Cup final wearing black armbands as a mark of respect and solidarity with the victims of the stampede during the Lairai Devi jatra in Shirgao.
“FC Goa are deeply saddened by the tragic incident at the Lairai Devi temple in Shirgao last night. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and all those affected by this heartbreaking event. In this moment of grief for Goa, we stand united with our people,” the club said in a statement before the match.