ISL 2021-22: We are very happy because it is the first time that we arrive at the final – Manuel Marquez

Hyderabad FC head coach Manuel Marquez was delighted after his team qualified for the final of the ongoing Hero Indian Super League for the first time in the history of the tournament. Hyderabad defeated ATK Mohun Bagan by 3-2 on aggregate at the Athletic Stadium, Bambolim on Wednesday.

Hyderabad had taken a vital 3-1 lead after the first leg of the semifinal. The Mariners won the second leg by 1-0 but it was not enough to stop Hyderabad FC make their first-ever ISL final. Roy Krishna scored in the 79th minute for ATK Mohun Bagan but Juan Ferrando’s team could not get the second goal.

ATK Mohun Bagan dominated the second leg of the semifinal as they had 58% of the possession. Furthermore, they took eight shots on target but Hyderabad FC was able to defend well to keep their first-leg lead. Hyderabad FC goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani made eight crucial saves to keep his team in the lead.

Manuel Marquez said after the game, “Obviously, we are very happy. This season is historical for us. Now, to arrive in the final after winning against ATKMB, in my opinion, who had the best players in Hero ISL. I think that today they were better than us. But we defended well. We are very happy because it is the first time that we arrive at the final.”

Manuel Marquez was happy that the team was able to qualify for the final but at the same time, they were totally dominated by ATK Mohun Bagan.

Speaking on the same, he said, “At that moment, the important thing for us was to qualify for the final. This is the reason that we are very happy because our team especially our young Indian players, as for most of them, this is the first time that they will play in a final. You have to do self-criticism and I think that today ATKMB played better than us. We were lucky as they scored very late. But today’s not a day to speak about bad things today’s day is for celebration as it’s the first time that we going to the finals.”

The ISL final will be played in front of the crowd and the Spaniard urged Hyderabad FC fans to support them in the final at the ground.

He concluded, “I think that now with people in the stands it would be a good final. But I want our fans to be there, I know that Manjappada, Kerala has a lot of fans. I want to tell Hyderabad supporters that it would be very good if they can come to PJN Stadium on Sunday.”

Hyderabad FC will take on Kerala Blasters FC in the final of the Hero ISL at PJN Stadium, Fatorda on Sunday.