Originally published in The Times of India on November 22 , 2020
Hyderabad: Hyderabad FC is set to kick off their second ISL season on Monday, taking on Odisha FC at GMC Stadium, Goa.
Having completely revamped their squad and appointed a new coach, the team will aim at a better performance this season as compared to the 2019-20 season, in which they finished at the bottom of the league table, recording just two wins.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the entire 2020-21 ISL season will be played in a bio-bubble in Goa. Tilak Maidan will serve as the home stadium for Hyderabad FC.
Discussing the shortened pre-season, Manolo Marquez, head coach, said, “It’s very difficult to build a new team with a lot of new players and a short pre-season. There are players from all parts of the world and across India. They have never played together. We had only 4 weeks to train.”
“We believe in the work of players, staff and others in the bio-bubble. In football, nothing is sure but we are optimistic for this season. For us, the most important thing is to show up for Monday’s game,” Marquez added.
Hyderabad FC winger Halicharan Narzary said, “Despite the short pre-season, we are using all the time we can for practice. It’s difficult in the bio-bubble. In the early days, we couldn’t practice together. We can’t meet anyone except during practice and meals but the preparations are going well.”
Dimple Bhagat and Fran Sandaza are set to miss the first match due to injury. Marquez remarked, “I think it’s the normal situation now. Injuries can be a big problem for all teams this season.”
Talking about the young players at the club, Marquez said, “For me, if the young players can continue, Hyderabad FC can be a good team in the future. We have many quality young players. They will play more games than people think. They will play an important role this season.”
As part of their preparation, the team played against Kerala Blasters, Bengaluru FC, FC Goa and NorthEast United in pre-season games.
Former Hyderabad FC player Marcelinho will lead the attack for Hyderabad FC’s first opponent, Odisha FC, who have appointed the 67-year-old Stuart Baxter as their new head coach.
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