Hyderabad FC finished the Hero Indian Super League season 2019-20 as the cellar-dwellers of the tournament with only two wins from 20 matches. However, things starts to improve when they roped in head coach Manuel Marquez. Hyderabad finished the 2020-21 season in the fifth place after six wins and missed the semifinal stages by only one position.
Subsequently, the club was able to go all the way for the first time in the tournament’s history as they won the league in the recently concluded 2021-22 season. Hyderabad FC defeated Kerala Blasters in the final by 3-1 on penalties after the game ended in a 1-1 draw.
Manuel Marquez said while talking to ESPN.IN, “In professional football, the most important thing is to win the game. But for me, one of the most important qualities in a coach is to adapt to the players. I don’t like too much to defend, defend, defend, but if you don’t have the correct players to [play his preferred way], you will lose the ball. The possibilities of winning depend on the qualities of your players and you have to adapt to them.”
The Spaniard added that the young Indian players have got the zest of improving their game in the training sessions, which is a big positive. The Hyderabad gaffer added that he likes a normal player, who is more confident than a good player.
“When I arrived in India, I found a group of players who wanted to listen to me from the first day. I love all of them… it’s a complete pleasure to train with them. They want to improve every training session!” It’s that mentality that he adores. “I always say that I prefer a normal player with confidence than one very good player without (confidence).”
He further added, “When the level of the training session is high, usually the season is good. Of course, there will be bad moments, and bad results, but even in these kinds of situations, the team was very strong. After every defeat, the team reacted very well.”
Marquez also showered praise on the foreign players, who were instrumental in the success of the team in the recently concluded season.
“Joao Victor is, in my opinion, the best player in the league. He is the most decisive in terms of everything: leadership, football. Even Aridane is one of the most important players that we’ve had. He [along with Odei Onaindia and Sastre] was very, very important for the Indian guys. It’s not only on the pitch, it’s off it too.
Furthermore, there have been talks going around about Marquez joining Mumbai City FC. However, the experienced coach cleared the air regarding the rumor.
He said, “I read Mumbai wants Manuel Marquez, another team wants me…I didn’t touch my contract! I will finish it.”
