FC Goa’s level not in doubt: Manolo

Panaji: FC Goa coach Manolo Marquez sounded genuinely perplexed with the question.
“For us?” he questioned, when a reporter asked him whether it was playing on his mind that FC Goa could get relegated from the Indian Super League (ISL) this season. The question was repeated, and this time, the experienced Spanish coach had a ready answer: “Even if we don't get one single point, we won't be the last team in the league. The last team won't get nine points. We are not worried if we will be champions or in the last part of the table.”
After five matches, Goa are among the only two unbeaten teams in the ISL with league leaders Mumbai City being the other one. Manolo’s side, though, have only won against Mohammedan Sporting and SC Delhi, two of the three bottom-ranked teams so far. Games against Inter Kashi (1-1), East Bengal (0-0) and Punjab FC (1-1) have all ended in draws.
“I think we need to be satisfied (with the performances so far) because it's not easy for us to play, to be unbeaten after five games,” Manolo told reporters during the pre-match media interaction on Friday. “We know that in the league, there will be good games, bad games, normal games. Our last game (against Punjab) was a bad one, but the best thing is that we are still unbeaten.”
Goa were outplayed by Punjab in the first half at home. “We created only half a chance, a freekick,” admitted Manolo. Despite Punjab being reduced to ten men early in the second half, and Goa getting the equaliser soon enough, they didn’t do enough to push the hosts on the back foot or, in the words of the coach, “make them uncomfortable.”
The 1-1 result left a bitter taste in the mouth, though the coach made it clear he has no doubts about his team’s qualities.
“For me it's about level or mentality. And we have good level. Then you know my answer,” he said.
Goa now have a chance to prove they belong to the top with a win against Chennaiyin FC away on Sunday. A positive result will take them within two points of leaders Mumbai City, who handed favourites Mohun Bagan Super Giant their first loss on Friday.
“We already have an Asian slot (for next season) but we have to take advantage of these 13 games and improve. That’s my target, more than winning or losing. We want to win every game. I told the players that we have to show our level, and prove that we understand the game. You can play a bad game; everyone can miss chances, but when you repeat mistakes, that’s a matter of concern.
“My philosophy has remained the same. When you start a season, the important players are from 12 to 24 (those who are not regular starters). If they train in a good way, we will have a good season. The starters need to be pushed. If it’s easy for the starters, usually the performance dips. I expect more from some players, but we have a very nice group, a good group, with good attitude,” said Manolo.