After the 2-2 draw against ATKMB, Manolo Marquez speaks about the controversial equalizer, chances of qualification and more…

On playing with 10-men…

It was a really good performance from my side tonight. To play from the 4^th minute with just ten men, against a side like ATK Mohun Bagan, is really difficult. Of course, the last goal conceded was not the best result for us but it is impossible to be more proud of my players. Now, we have to be positive and do our best to win the game on Sunday.

On the side’s approach after the red card…

Sometimes, it is tough to break down a team with ten men. Playing with two lines of four players is not easy to play against, and the positioning of a side like that is also usually better. However, it is not easy for that ten men to score a goal in this situation. Defending for 90 minutes but still creating chances is a real merit to this Hyderabad side. But it is a shame that we conceded that equalizer late in the game.

On the controversy surrounding the late equalizer…

It is impossible to spot that from the bench but many say that it was offside. But I don’t like to cry about decisions or complain about the officials. The linesman probably didn’t see the offside but they can be wrong as well. Even coaches and players are wrong at sometimes so I don’t really like to talk about things like these.

It is easy to cry when decisions don’t go your way and keep silent when you get the better of it. This is football and I hope the standard of officiating in the ISL will only grow from here.

On confidence, this result will give…

I believe that every team that is still in the race can qualify for the play-offs. Yes, we would have liked to win this game, and the ones we drew or lost. But now, our chances of qualification are in our hands and we will fight till the final whistle for it, on Sunday.

On missing Aridane and Sana through suspension against Goa…

We will put a strong XI for sure and we believe in ourselves to get the job done. We have a chance, and so do FC Goa, who are a really strong team. I want to congratulate my players for the season so far and hopefully, they can take that big against Goa on Sunday.