Super Cup: Weary FC Goa set to make changes for Inter Kashi clash

Margao: FC Goa coach Manolo Marquez will have to strike a balance between ambition and reality as his side takes on I-League champions Inter Kashi FC in a group-stage encounter of the Super Cup at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Wednesday.

With three points from the opener against Jamshedpur FC, Goa now need another win to stay on top. But Manolo will be aware that his team will play their third game in seven days and have two more games in the next six.

For a side that played three games in as many months, the spurt in matches means the experienced Spanish coach will have to count on his squad, rather than just the regular first-choice players.

“We need to manage the team,” Manolo told TOI on Tuesday. “We have five games in 14 days and this will be our third. We have a squad for this exact reason. We will make a few changes to the lineup.”

I-League champions Inter Kashi took a full-strength NorthEast United by surprise with an all-Indian squad and are now bolstered with the addition of two foreign players: Mario Barco and David Humanes, both part of last season’s championship-winning squad.

Inter Kashi, Manolo agreed, would be a tough opponent as the team has an idea of football where they are prepared to put in the hard yards.

“When they need to counter-attack they do, when they need to keep the ball, they’re adept at that too. We have seen teams come in with very little practice and still give a real fight to sides who have been active and training. They have had encouraging results. We have to be at our best if we want to win,” said Manolo.

The coach has made it clear there will be changes, which possibly means increased minutes or even a starting role for Iker Guarrotxena, who made a brief return against Jamshedpur after a month-long injury layoff. Spanish defender Pol Moreno remains doubtful, while Mohammed Yasir and Nim Dorjee are yet to recover from their injuries.

Encouraged with the draw against NEUFC, Inter Kashi will have a spring in their step as they take on Goa.

“The boys are enjoying every game, and our focus remains on giving 100%,” said acting coach Abhijit Mondal, who is currently guiding the team in the absence of Antonio Lopez Habas. “We have nothing to lose. Most of our players are young, but they are gaining experience and confidence with every match.”