Manolo Marquez speaks to the media ahead of the Group B opener against Aizawl FC

Manjeri: Hyderabad FC are back in action after a long break, as they take on Aizawl FC in the opening clash of Group B of the Hero Super Cup later today. HFC will play their first-ever game in this competition and will want to make it a memorable debut, as Manolo Marquez and his side gear up for an early kickoff at the Payyanad Stadium in Manjeri.

The HFC Head Coach spoke to the media ahead of this clash and was positive about his team’s chances in this competition.

On the team preparations…

The break we got after the ISL season makes it tougher for the players. We spoke about playing the Super Cup during the regular ISL season in the coach’s meet and that it will be good for Indian Football but now, all of us want to give our best. It is also tough for the players in the beginning but now, they are ready and focused on this competition.

On the Hero Super Cup 2023…

This is a competition completely different from the normal season. We face I-League teams that have quality players and will be tough to beat. In a competition like this where only one team qualifies, you cannot lose a single game and that makes it much more interesting.

✨️ Matchday in Manjeri!

Our first ever #HeroSuperCup clash and the boys are in high spirits 👊

Let’s go, Hyderabad 💛🖤#HFCAFC #WeAreHFC #మనహైదరాబాద్ #HyderabadFC pic.twitter.com/Fzh1c9446i

— Hyderabad FC (@HydFCOfficial) April 9, 2023

On playing the competition in Kerala…

We are still getting used to the weather and conditions here in Kerala. The games at 5:00 pm could be very hot but the conditions are the same for every team and we hope to give our best in every game.

On the HFC squad…

We have a few players missing through injury like Bartholomew Ogbeche, Hitesh Sharma and Laxmikant Kattimani, who are still recovering. But we have registered 25 players for this competition and that is the reason you have a squad. This will be a chance for players who got less minutes during the ISL season to prove themselves.

On the opponents in Group B…

Our group is very tough and only one team qualifies so it will be very difficult. Odisha and East Bengal are tough teams like we already know. Aizawl, who finished 7^th in the I-League season, also have quality players and overseas players who will be tough to face. But our aim is to go deep into the competition, so we can stay fit for our AFC Cup qualifier we play after the Super Cup.