FC Goa Coach Manolo Marquez and Defender Sandesh Jhingan Aim for a Stronger Season
New Delhi, India – August 20: FC Goa’s head coach, Manolo Marquez, has called on the team to build on their previous season’s performance and improve for the 2024-25 season. Marquez, who led the Indian Super League (ISL) club to a third-place finish last season, is determined to address the shortcomings and aim higher this time.
Despite being at the top of the table at one point, FC Goa missed out on the Shield and fell short in the semi-finals against Mumbai City FC. Reflecting on the past season, Marquez said, “Last season was okay, but at times we felt we could have achieved more. This season we will try again. The only thing that I can promise is that these players will give everything in every single action, in every single game.”
Defender Sandesh Jhingan, who played a crucial role before suffering a long-term injury, is expected to return for the upcoming season starting in September. Jhingan spoke about the deep connection between the club and its fans, saying, “I remember when I came here last year, driving from the airport, every car and every bike I saw had the badge of FC Goa. Every house had a flag of FC Goa, and every jersey was of FC Goa. When I went to Fatorda Stadium and heard the loud ‘Forca Goa’ chants, I realised that this is not just a football club. FC Goa is an emotion. FC Goa is in the air of Goa and the heart of all Goans. That is what makes FC Goa special.”
Doubts Revealed
FC Goa -: FC Goa is a football (soccer) team that plays in the Indian Super League (ISL). They are based in the state of Goa, which is known for its beaches and tourism.
Manolo Marquez -: Manolo Marquez is the head coach of FC Goa. A coach is like a teacher for the football team, helping the players improve and win matches.
Sandesh Jhingan -: Sandesh Jhingan is a famous Indian football player who plays as a defender. A defender’s job is to stop the other team from scoring goals.
Shield -: In football, the Shield is a trophy given to the team that finishes at the top of the league table at the end of the season. FC Goa missed winning this trophy last season.
long-term injury -: A long-term injury means that a player gets hurt and cannot play for a long time, sometimes for many months. Sandesh Jhingan had such an injury but is now ready to play again.
emotion for the people of Goa -: This means that the people of Goa feel very strongly about FC Goa. They love the team a lot, just like how people love their favorite things.
