ACL2: FC Goa brave in second half but lacked clinical finishing, feels coach Manolo Marquez

Panaji: Manolo Marquez knew that FC Goa were up against a top side from Iraq that comprised several internationals and three Jordanians who will feature at next year’s FIFA World Cup. Despite the heavy odds, the experienced coach said, his team’s target was to fight for a win.
Goa lost their opening group clash of the AFC Champions League Two against Al Zawraa after conceding goals at the end of either half. The 2-0 loss left Manolo disappointed, though he was proud of his team’s efforts, particularly in the second half at the Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on Wednesday.
“We prepared during training to win this game,” Manolo said during the post-match media interaction. “When you lose, you cannot be happy, but I feel our level was good, in some moments, very good. Sometimes, we were not good enough, but overall, we had a good game, particularly against a side that has the most league titles in Iraq. We need to learn from this game.”
Despite the odds being stacked against them, Goa took the fight to the opposition with 20 shots, two of them on target from substitutes Ayush Chhetri and Brison Fernandes. The forwards were often wayward, unable to convert the chances that came their way.
"Maybe in the first half, especially in the last minutes, we were tired, a little scared, thinking of a goalless result at half time, which is dangerous (mindset). In the second half, the team showed a very good spirit. The team was very brave, though not clinical with the finishing. The game was equal; in such matches, the quality decides (the outcome),” said Manolo, blaming himself for the second goal as he chose to risk everything with just three defenders, including the attack-minded winger Abdul Rabeeh, for the last 10 minutes.
“We need to keep going, improving. We lost, so we are not happy, but we are hopeful of good results,” said the Spanish coach.
Iker Guarrotxena captained Goa for the group opener but had to be substituted in the second half with an injury. With midfielder Ayush Chhetri taking the field, it freed Borja Herrera to play in his favourite position.
“When Ayush entered the field, there was more clarity with Borja playing as a number 10. Borja had more mobility. Ayush moved the ball better, side to side. This (midfield) pairing of (David) Timor-Ayush provides very good balance. In some moments, we switched sides constantly, played from left to the right, right to the left. Boris (Singh) and Aakash Sangwan could attack which didn’t happen in the first half.
“I am certain, with experience of playing such matches, the scores will be better. We were not worse than Al Zawraa, except in the most important part, which is to get the ball inside the net. We have a good team, a good group, we are very optimistic for the season,” said Manolo.
FC Goa now travel to Tajikistan for a clash against FC Istiklol on Oct 1.