Panaji: The numbers are encouraging for FC Goa. Most chances created (156), most crosses (302), most shots taken (147) and most shots on target per match (5.6), yet coach Manolo Marquez knows something is amiss.
“I don’t like statistics too much, but it says we are the team with more chances (to score). I feel team can play better in attack. There are some moments when the team disconnects during the game (like against Odisha FC). We need to be focused throughout,” Manolo said during the pre-match media interaction on Tuesday.
Goa is the only unbeaten side in the Indian Super League (ISL) and are three points behind Sergio Lobera’s Odisha who have played three additional matches. Should they win against Mohun Bagan at home on Wednesday, there will be an eight-point gap between the title challengers.
“It’s about the small details that can decide the game. If you see the points table, you can see it’s equal. The top five teams’ coaches all want to become champions. The sixth position keeps changing. Except Hyderabad, any of the other teams can finish among the playoffs. This is good for the competition,” said Manolo.
Goa have scored 19 goals so far, the joint least in the league from among the top five teams. Carlos Martinez (5) and Noah Sadaoui (4) have been the team’s leading goal-scorers, while Jay Gupta and Rowllin Borges have two goals each to their names.
With 28 points from 12 matches, Manolo’s side are among the favourites for the title though the experienced Spanish coach has advised caution. He has also told the team to always expect the “best version of the opponents” as they chase the title.
“I don’t like talking about the title. For the last two seasons (with Hyderabad FC), we finished runnersup in the regular season. I always told them, ‘for sure, if there is big concentration, we will be fighting for everything’. Here it’s the same. If you ask any of the top five team coaches, they will say that the main target is to win the ISL Shield.
“Even though Kerala (Blasters) lost (against Punjab FC), they can still become champions. Yes, we can say that our target is to win the Shield, but I know it’s the same target for Mumbai, Odisha, Mohun Bagan and Kerala,” said Manolo.
Goa’s last home game was a goalless draw against Mumbai City. Never has the team failed to find the back of the net twice consecutively at home. The Gaurs have also averaged 36 penalty area entries per game this season, the highest amongst all teams. But like Manolo insists, it’s not the stats but the end-product that matters.
“I don’t like statistics too much, but it says we are the team with more chances (to score). I feel team can play better in attack. There are some moments when the team disconnects during the game (like against Odisha FC). We need to be focused throughout,” Manolo said during the pre-match media interaction on Tuesday.
Goa is the only unbeaten side in the Indian Super League (ISL) and are three points behind Sergio Lobera’s Odisha who have played three additional matches. Should they win against Mohun Bagan at home on Wednesday, there will be an eight-point gap between the title challengers.
“It’s about the small details that can decide the game. If you see the points table, you can see it’s equal. The top five teams’ coaches all want to become champions. The sixth position keeps changing. Except Hyderabad, any of the other teams can finish among the playoffs. This is good for the competition,” said Manolo.
Goa have scored 19 goals so far, the joint least in the league from among the top five teams. Carlos Martinez (5) and Noah Sadaoui (4) have been the team’s leading goal-scorers, while Jay Gupta and Rowllin Borges have two goals each to their names.
With 28 points from 12 matches, Manolo’s side are among the favourites for the title though the experienced Spanish coach has advised caution. He has also told the team to always expect the “best version of the opponents” as they chase the title.
“I don’t like talking about the title. For the last two seasons (with Hyderabad FC), we finished runnersup in the regular season. I always told them, ‘for sure, if there is big concentration, we will be fighting for everything’. Here it’s the same. If you ask any of the top five team coaches, they will say that the main target is to win the ISL Shield.
“Even though Kerala (Blasters) lost (against Punjab FC), they can still become champions. Yes, we can say that our target is to win the Shield, but I know it’s the same target for Mumbai, Odisha, Mohun Bagan and Kerala,” said Manolo.
Goa’s last home game was a goalless draw against Mumbai City. Never has the team failed to find the back of the net twice consecutively at home. The Gaurs have also averaged 36 penalty area entries per game this season, the highest amongst all teams. But like Manolo insists, it’s not the stats but the end-product that matters.