Hyderabad FC gear up for NorthEast United challenge at Fatorda
Manolo’s men aim to keep up momentum after back-to-back wins
Goa, January 30, 2022: Currently atop the Indian Super League standings, Hyderabad FC are back in action for the third time in seven days when they take on NorthEast United in a tricky clash at the Fatorda, on Monday.
The Highlanders come into the game after holding Mumbai City to a 1-1 draw in the last round but are currently 10th on the league table, with just ten points from 14 games. On the other hand, HFC, who are fresh from back-to-back wins over SC East Bengal and Odisha FC, could further strengthen their position at the top of the league table with a win in this game.
However, Head Coach Manolo Marquez believes that like with every other team in the ISL this season, this game will not be an easy one for his side. “The NorthEast team right now is more similar to the (NEUFC team) last season. In the first part of the league this season, they had issues with injuries but that has changed now.”
“They have very good foreigners and Indian players that are ready to fight for every ball. Even in the game against Chennaiyin, they were unlucky not to win so I think they will not be an easy team to face,” added Manolo.
Khalid Jamil has the likes of Hernan Santana, Patrick Flottmann, Zakaria Diallo, Marco Sahanek and VP Suhair adding balance to the side. They have exciting youngsters in other areas of the field and have a squad that can go head-to-head with Manolo’s side, who are currently in fine form.
Hyderabad saw Joao Victor, Joel Chianese and Akash Mishra get on the scoresheet in their win over Odisha FC. But the likes of Bartholomew Ogbeche, Javi Siverio, Nikhil Poojary and Aniket Jadhav have also been effective in recent games.
Having taken six points from their last two games, Hyderabad will hope to keep up the momentum and take it one game at a time. “We are very happy with the last two wins but it is now time to prepare for the next match. We have to think only about our next opponent and we are ready for the game,” said Manolo.
The game kicks off at 7:30 pm on Monday.