As Unbeaten Run Ends, Manolo Set To Make Changes Against Odisha

Panaji: With the Indian Super League (ISL) title slipping out and relegation not a possibility, FC Goa coach Manolo Marquez believes it’s time to be brave and do what he always intended: give those on the bench a chance.
The Goa coach has spoken in the past about his reserve players training to the best of their abilities everyday Now, he could throw them in the mix for the clash against Odisha FC at the Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on Friday.
The automatic choices at Goa have not helped their cause by starting the last three games poorly, and losing against Bengaluru FC, their first in the competition, at home last week.
“You will see new players in the ground (against Odisha),” Manolo told TOI during the pre-match media interaction on Thursday. “It’s true that when you are in the middle of the table, you can try players. We still have six games remaining and can fight for something more than our position right now. But I feel the title will be difficult. It’s impossible to finish last, so we can give chances to more young players to perform in the main team.”
The experienced Spanish coach did not specify the changes but it’s likely that he will have a relook at the midfield where he has tried different combinations. Harsh Patre could be an option to partner Ayush Chhetri, who returns after his concussion against Chennaiyin FC.
“I like him a lot. He’s someone who understands the game. He knows to control the tempo of the game. He’s not very fast with his movements but he’s very fast here (pointing at his head). When he is on the field, we play better,” said Manolo.
Praise from Manolo for his younger players is not uncommon. Yet, he didn’t hesitate in showing the mirror to his own players after they fumbled against Bengaluru. It wasn’t the first time though. Against Punjab FC and Chennaiyin FC earlier, Goa were susegad in the opening half, and although they escaped with draws in the two games, BFC made them pay.
“I was disappointed with how we started the game (against BFC),” said Manolo. “Everyone loves statistics. Even though we were better with more corners, possession, BFC always controlled the game. But I have to repeat myself. I am very satisfied, happy with the team that we have. I think we will have a good season.”
For Goa to have a good season, they must start scoring and winning. The team has scored just six in seven matches. Only three teams have fewer goals, and two of them – Kerala Blasters and Mohammedan Sporting – are at the bottom of the league table.
Goa are not under any illusion that it will be easier against Odisha, a team that has only one foreign player and started training only after the league kicked off. Manolo described the visitors as “very well organised in defence” and guided by a coach who’s “very clever.”
Captain Carlos Delgado is the lone foreigner at Odisha. Up against a side that has two and an indifferent form, coach TG Purushothaman believes his side has more than a decent chance of obtaining a favourable result.
“It will be an evenly fought match,” said Purushothaman. “I don’t focus on foreigners – it’s about quality. We are facing a good team with a good coach. We are prepared. We’ve analysed their defence, attack, and transitions. We’ve practised solutions and hope to implement them."