Ahead of the clash against Mumbai City, Manolo Marquez speaks about their previous meeting, what his side learnt from that game and more…

On the week-long break before MCFCHFC…

Football is a funny game. Jamshedpur came back from a break and lost their last two games. But both East Bengal and FC Goa are unbeaten since their last break. I am not sure about the effect a break has on the results but for players and their recovery, these breaks are really important.

We understand how the competition works but the rest they get helps them stay fresh in the head and also avoid injuries.

On the last game against MCFC…

We all know that Mumbai City are a really strong side. When we played them in the previous leg, they were the better side in the first half. When two teams who want to keep the ball face each other, the game is usually decided by who gets to dominate possession and that is what happened in that game.

But I am really happy with the way my team came out in the second half. We played how we wanted and showed more character. They were just better on the day and we hope to put in a stronger performance, this time around.

On what they learnt from that game…

We knew they were a strong side and yes, we can improve on a few things from that game. But it is important that we believe in our style of play and not change it. They are undefeated in their last nine games so I know this will be a difficult game.

But we believe that winning or losing a game depends on our own performance and we are ready to give our best on Saturday.

A word on the players…

Liston Colaco

He is a very good player and in the last game, he practically decided the result, coming off the bench. However, we have not yet decided on our team for tomorrow’s game. Also, with matches coming up fast, we have to make a few changes to our side so he will surely get his chances.

Roland Alberg

He is an attacking midfielder and has been playing regularly for Roda JC in the Netherlands before flying here. His only break was the quarantine so he should be fit for this game. He gives us a chance to use different systems and will surely get his chances in the upcoming games.