ISL 2024-25: Manolo Marquez satisfied with draw against Bengaluru FC, feels it was a fair result

FC Goa head coach Manolo Marquez felt a 2-2 draw against Bengaluru FC was a fair result at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru in the ongoing Indian Super League on Saturday.

The Gaurs were leading by 2-0 but the Blues bounced back to share a point with the visitors. The Spaniard said it is always a bit disappointing to share the spoils after leading by 2-0.

Sandesh Jhingan and Sahil Tavora scored for the visitors but the home team equalized after goals from Ryan Williams and Jorge Pereyra Diaz in the second half.

“I think so (a draw was a fair result). The only thing is that when you are winning 2-0, you feel you lost two points. I feel Bengaluru FC pushed a lot and they scored two goals and finally it’s one point. Not enough for our job. But I think this can be (considered) a fair result,” Marquez said in the post-match press conference.

Marquez added his team was better in the first half but admitted that Bengaluru FC dominated the second half and put them under the pump.

“We were better than them in the first half. Much better than them, in the first half. In the second, when we were only not playing, we were only defending. We scored in one action (through Tavora), a set piece and then we didn’t defend in a good way. They found (the gaps).. they have very good players, players who can pass the ball, arrive from the second line with a good aerial game and finally, they scored two goals. This is the reason they are second in the table,” he explained.

The Spaniard also gave his gratitude to the team’s fans for providing them the support despite it being an away game.

“The crowd is fantastic. They support (the team) a lot. I would like more crowds in India like this when the team is losing 2-0. They pushed (the team).. This is the reason that I say this. I came here with Hyderabad FC and it was a fantastic game. I remember we won 3-0. Last season, it was equal 0-0 (with FC Goa) and this season again, it was an equal game,” Marquez recalled.

FC Goa will next take on Mohun Bagan Super Giant at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Goa on Friday.