ISL 2020-21 | Couldn't be more proud of the boys, asserts Manuel Marquez

Hyderabad FC needed a win against ATK-Mohun Bagan to keep their play-offs hopes alive, but they were dealt a huge blow when stopper Chinglensana Singh was shown a red card in the fifth minute of the game. In spite of the setback, the ‘Nizams’ managed to take the lead three minutes later, courtesy of a defensive lapse. With ATK-Mohun Bagan levelling after the side change, but Hyderabad FC stormed into the lead once again in the 74th minute via a Roland Alberg strike. 

Just when Manuel Marquez’s men were looking to run away with three points from the game, the ‘Mariners’ struck their second goal from a smart set-piece movement in the stoppage time. The Spanish manager heaped praise on his players, stating that he is very proud of the way they played against ATK-Mohun Bagan with 10-men.

"It is impossible to be more proud of these players. Of course, they are sad now because the win was very close but the last action from the corner, I don't mind if it was an offside or not. They equalised in the end. I am very proud of the team and let's see if we can win against FC Goa in the next game," said Manuel Marquez, during the post-match press conference.

The numerical superiority factor worked heavily in favour of ATK-Mohun Bagan, with the Mariners playing almost the entire game with 11 players against 10. Manuel Marquez feels that it was difficult to play against a side like ATK-Mohun Bagan under such circumstances, but he feels that the ‘challenge’ thrown in by his players was laudable.

"When you play with one player less it is more difficult for the opponent because when you play with all the players behind the ball it is not easy for the opponent. It is the same if we are playing with 11 players against 10. But the problem was there was too much time. It was very difficult against this team. For me, the challenge that my team threw today was very good," added the manager.