FC Goa Coach Manolo Marquez Highlights ‘Three Key Reasons’ for Loss Against Bengaluru FC in ISL Semi-Final 2025
For the away leg of the ISL semi-final between Manolo Marquez’s FC Goa and Bengaluru FC, the Blues arrived with a comfortable 2-0 advantage, but FC Goa had other plans. A frustrating first half saw Goa create opportunities but nothing solid came of it, but the second half ignited with energy.
Borja Herrera’s stunning free kick finally broke the deadlock, followed by Armando Sadiku’s strike that equalled the aggregate score. Just as the game seemed in Goa’s grasp, Sunil Chhetri delivered a crucial goal, putting Bengaluru FC back in the lead and sealing their place in the finals.
FC Goa’s Head coach Manolo Marquez spoke to the media at the post-match press conference after the semifinal loss against Bengaluru FC.
What went wrong for FC Goa
Expressing his satisfaction, Coach Manolo highlighted the team’s near miss for the shield and explained what had gone wrong for the Gaurs in today’s match. “I am very satisfied with the performance of the team. The players started the game well, but Carl got injured and then Borja played very well. He scored the first goal. Then Armando came in, he could only play 20 minutes and he entered the pitch and scored as well.
“And then, finally, this unfortunate thing, an unlucky action, that in a corner after the clearance, in the possibility of a counter-attack, we sent the ball back. These kinds of things unfortunately happen, but in FC Goa more than ever. It’s the first time in my life that I am in a club that lost the game where we lost in the semi-final last season as well with three goals from Mumbai in the injury time.” Manolo Marquez stated.
Manolo Marquez on VAR and referee’s role
The match saw several FC Goa players receive yellow cards and word of cautions from the referee. The Spaniard elucidiated his thoughts on the role of VAR and the match officials.
“I think it’s a big mistake by my friend Trevor Kettle, who cannot put this referee, he’s a very young guy, very young, without experience, the game was too much for him, he was completely nervous. I will be very clear, if you whistle, it was a foul, it’s a second yellow card for someone.”
“All the other decisions were against us, all. Even the goal that they disallowed, I don’t know if it’s a goal or not a goal, I don’t know. Replay short, just offside, just not offside
“But okay, without VAR it’s very difficult, but it’s better, don’t say anything, it’s better to speak well about our players, and Bengaluru, Mohun Bagan, or Jamshedpur, they will play the final, best of luck for them. I am very satisfied that we spent fantastic moments this season with this squad, but it’s a pity that we couldn’t get something more for the fans. But still, I think that now, let’s see, but now we will be a strong team in the Super Cup.” Manolo Marquez concluded.
Manolo Marquez happy with his achievements
Although Manolo’s ISL season ends empty-handed, he is still happy with what he has achieved so far. Talking about his success story, he emphasized his past. Manolo Marquez explained, “At Hyderabad we won here, but okay, they have one trophy with one star, no more. I think that the good thing is to play in the Asian competition, and that this is in the regular season and the Super Cup.”
FC Goa will look to grab a spot in the ACL 2 qualifier by winning the Super Cup and ending their season on a positive note.
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