Coach Manolo and defender Jhingan stay confident seeking to build on their strong form
PANAJI
FC Goa head coach Manolo Marquez and experienced defender Sandesh Jhingan are both confident as the team prepares for their upcoming match against Odisha FC in the Indian Super League on Saturday.
The game, set to take place at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, marks the start of FC Goa’s second-leg campaign in the 2024-25 season. Both teams are currently unbeaten in their recent matches, making the clash even more exciting.
Jhingan, who has been a key player for FC Goa this season, spoke highly of the team's current form. The club is on a strong seven-match unbeaten run, and Jhingan is confident that they can continue their good performances and challenge for the ISL Shield this season. "We all believe we can go all the way," Jhingan said. "The reason behind our good run is continuous effort, training, and belief in each other."
He emphasized the importance of staying focused on the upcoming games and constantly working to improve. Jhingan added that even when things aren’t going well, the squad has shown belief in its quality, which has helped them maintain a strong run. The defender also reflected on FC Goa's near-miss last season, where they finished third in the league after a strong push for the ISL Shield. Despite the disappointment, Jhingan believes the team showed great character in their performance and growth. "We did a fantastic job last season," he said, noting that the team only lost three matches, which were crucial.
For Jhingan, the team's goal is to improve year on year. "We gave our best, and that's all you can ask for," he added, stressing that it’s important to have no regrets about their performances.
As a senior player, Jhingan understands the importance of teamwork in maintaining a solid defense. He pointed out that while defenders and goalkeepers play a crucial role in keeping clean sheets, it’s the collective effort of the whole team that wins matches. "It’s not just about the defenders; it’s the whole team," Jhingan said.
On a personal note, Jhingan expressed his happiness with his form this season, especially after overcoming injuries that kept him sidelined. "I’m happy to be on the pitch again and to see my little girl watching me play. That’s the kind of happiness that nothing else can give you," he said. Despite the challenges, Jhingan remains committed to improving, both as a player and as a person.
Head coach Manolo Marquez echoed Jhingan’s optimism but also stressed the importance of maintaining consistency as the season progresses. "It’s still early in the season. We have to take it game by game," Marquez said. Reflecting on FC Goa’s recent form, he pointed out that the team has shown resilience, especially during times when results haven’t gone their way.
Marquez also praised Odisha FC, who have been a strong team at home in recent seasons. "Odisha has only lost one game in the last two seasons at home. They’re a very strong team," he acknowledged. However, Marquez believes that FC Goa has the potential to challenge for points in this match, provided they perform well on the day.
One of the challenges Marquez faces is managing squad depth, especially with the restriction on fielding only four foreign players in each match. Marquez admitted that it can be tough to manage players who are not selected for the matchday squad, but he emphasized that staying mentally strong and working hard is crucial for earning a place in the starting lineup.
"The toughest part of coaching is dealing with players who are on the bench. It’s hard to convince them, but if they treat these situations as learning experiences, they will grow in the future," Marquez explained.
Looking ahead to the Odisha FC clash, Marquez confirmed that most of the squad is fit and available for selection, with only a few exceptions. "Nemil, Katimani, and Saji are unavailable for the match. The rest of the squad is ready," Marquez stated, giving fans a positive update on the team’s fitness ahead of the important match.
