Manuel Marquez speaks about facing a strong Jamshedpur side, injury issues and more…

Panaji, Goa: After back to back away games to start the Indian Super League campaign, Hyderabad FC play their first home game on Wednesday, when they host Owen Coyle’s Jamshedpur FC at Tilak Maidan in Vasco. Here is what Manuel Marquez had to say, ahead of this game…

On the quality of Jamshedpur FC’s squad…

For me, Jamshedpur is a very strong team. In their first game against Chennaiyin, they conceded in the first minute, which is always tough for a team. They lost both Peter Hartley and Narender Gahlot to injuries, which is not easy, as we experienced in the last game. But against Odisha FC, they started well with high intensity and fought till the very end. Surely, it will not be an easy game for us.

On the threat of Jamshedpur’s attack and Valskis…

Nerijus Valskis is very difficult to defend against. He was the golden boot winner last season. And it is no surprise that this season, he has three goals in two games. Three very different kinds of goals: One with a very good header, one with a penalty and one with left foot. He is not a typical striker who only plays in the box. He runs the wings and is very difficult to mark. He is not a clear reference of attack. When he runs the channels, the wingers go inside, making it very difficult for us. So, we need to concentrate in every second of the game.

But Jamshedpur have very good players in attack, not only Valskis. People speak about him because he is a very good centre forward but for me, they are one team who can score in all moments of the game. All their other wingers, Jackichand Singh, Aniket Jadhav and Alex Lima can be effective with the second ball. These kinds of players are dangerous for me so defending them is just as important.

On HFC’s attackers missing chances…

In the first two games, we had a lot of shots, but not too many clear chances. We came close with our attempts but we did not have too many goal scoring opportunities so far. However, we are satisfied with our performances and we know that we have to improve in all the areas. At this moment, it’s difficult to improve in defence because we have not only kept two clean sheets but also had very few chances created against us.

We took about 30 shots in total so far this season but have scored only one goal, that from a penalty. We have to more precise in the final third and have to create more clear chances.

On whether injuries will change the approach to this game…

The mentality has to be the same. We have just three or four fit overseas players and have to play this game with the Indian players. But I am really happy with their performances. During a league season, there will always be injuries and suspensions and as I have always said, a squad has more than 11 players and every player is important for us.

Not having Joel Chianese and Lluis Sastre for the game is tough but not the worst situation. We have to be positive and play with the players we have and after a good showing against Bengaluru FC, we are confident in these players.