HFC full-back Manoj Mohammad addressed the media ahead of MBSG clash
Hyderabad FC are back in action this Thursday. They travel to Kolkata to take on Mohun Bagan SG at the Salt Lake Stadium.
This will be the first game of 2025 in the Indian Super League and promises to be a thriller.
HFC Interim Coach Shameel Chembakath was joined by defender Manoj Mohammad to the pre-match press conference ahead of this clash in the City of Joy.
Manoj spoke about coming back from his knee injury, the performance against East Bengal, the challenges in Kolkata and more.
Read Manoj speak…
On getting back into the first team after the injury…
Personally, I feel nice to be back playing in the first team. I was injured in January last year against Mohun Bagan in the Super Cup and it feels nice to finally be an important part of this team. I try to give my 100% in every training session as well and I hope I can help my team in the upcoming games.
✨️ HFC MOMENT OF THE MATCH, presented by Jindal India✨️
💪 A 90th minute overlap at the end of a tiring game. Manoj Mohammad deserves his first @IndSuperLeague goal 👊
Watch #ISL 2024-25 live on @JioCinema, @Sports18-3 & #StarSports3 👉 https://t.co/hllBewgv0h#HFCEBFC… pic.twitter.com/rs2QxCzyVS
— Hyderabad FC (@HydFCOfficial) December 30, 2024
On scoring his first senior goal and the result vs EBFC…
Yes, it was a great feeling to have scored the goal against my former team in East Bengal. It was a very important result for us as a team. We were playing well but were losing games so getting this point was really nice. It gives us extra motivation for the next games as well.
I think East Bengal played really well too. But we worked hard, and controlled the game. We managed to stick to our plans and did what we trained for, which is something we would like to do against Mohun Bagan as well, in this game.
On the challenges of facing Mohun Bagan…
Yes, Mohun Bagan are a strong team but for us, it is as important a game as any other in this league. We have trained well and want to put in a strong performance to try and win, against a tough team.
Down and dejected at the start of the year…
Pumped and elated to end the year… 👊
Manoj Mohammad, it’s good to have you back 💛🖤#HFCEBFC #TheNawabs pic.twitter.com/85ZUmWC4vQ
— Hyderabad FC (@HydFCOfficial) December 28, 2024
The result in the last game is now in the past. We are focused entirely on giving our all in Kolkata against Mohun Bagan. They are a strong team and we have to work really hard in what is a tough stadium to play as an away team.
On the difference, fans make at the Salt Lake Stadium…
There is always pressure when you play as an away team in Kolkata. I have previously played in front of such crowds and it is important that you are focused. For us, we have to be positive and go into this game with a strong mindset to trouble Mohun Bagan on the night.
On the mood in the camp ahead of this game…
It is always tough when you are playing in the ISL. But, not just me, the entire team is positive. We keep speaking about how we need to avoid mistakes and how we can beat the best teams in the league. So, it feels good to be a part of this group at the moment.
Manoj Mohammad 
