FC Goa head coach Manolo Marquez has rated the club as the best in India in terms of organisation. Marquez led the Gaurs to Kalinga Super Cup glory after they defeated Jamshedpur FC by 3-0 in the summit clash at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhuvneshwar on Saturday.
Earlier, Marquez’s team had finished in second place in the league phase of the Indian Super League but could not go all the way in the tournament.
Meanwhile, in the final, Borja Herrera scored a brace for FC Goa, whereas Dejan Drazic scored the third goal to seal the title.
“It was a great tournament and a fantastic group, they completely deserve to be the champions. We arrived here knowing we had to win four games, and we did it,” said Marquez, interacting with the media post-match.
Under the Spaniard’s tutelage, FC Goa had also finished the ISL 2023-24 season in third place. Marquez said the team has been competitive in the last two editions.
“In these two seasons, the team was very competitive with two different teams, different styles. This year, the group is very, very strong. They are friends, more than teammates.
“I feel that we finished second in the ISL Shield because we faced a very strong Mohun Bagan Super Giant (side). We lost in the semi-final due to small details. Here, we wanted to win and secure the Asian competition slot, and we played four very good games,” Marquez stated.
Marquez said he is delighted for the whole group after winning the Super Cup as they have been working really hard.
“We are very happy because we got this trophy, but I am happier for the group. Not just the players, for also the staff at the club and a lot of people. I feel, maybe not the best in titles, but FC Goa is the best club in India in terms of organisation. When you are a coach, it’s a dream to train a team like this because the atmosphere (here) is top,” he concluded.
