Manolo Marquez's Calculated Gamble on Nemil Delivers for FC Goa
In a strategic move that raised eyebrows, FC Goa head coach Manolo Marquez handed Muhammed Nemil a starting role as the team's lone striker for their Indian Super League (ISL) season opener against Inter Kashi at home. This marked the first time in Marquez's three-year tenure that he personally selected Nemil to begin a match from the first whistle.
A Decision Born of Conviction, Not Compulsion
While many observers interpreted this selection as a necessity due to the absence of a recognized foreign striker and the limited integration of new arrivals Ishan Pandita and Daniel Lalhlimpuia, Marquez insisted it was a choice based on merit. "This is a changed Nemil, one who has trained for long with good consistency," Marquez explained during the pre-match media interaction. "He has had ups and downs, injuries. In his position, there are a lot of foreigners and it's a problem for him. But we've been speaking, this season, Nemil deserved the chance to be a starter."
The Spanish coach's confidence stemmed from Nemil's impactful 15-minute appearance in the Super Cup final against East Bengal, where the young forward pressed aggressively during extra time when the team was fatigued.
Nemil's Journey and Flawless Performance
Nemil, a graduate from the first batch of Reliance Foundation Young Champs in 2020, is known for his ambidextrous scoring ability, having netted nine goals in friendlies this season alone. "Everyone knows he has quality, (now) it's more about consistency," Marquez noted, highlighting the forward's development.
Against Inter Kashi, Nemil justified his coach's faith with a flawless performance, winning a late penalty that enabled FC Goa to salvage a draw. His contribution earned post-match praise from Marquez, which Nemil only learned about when questioned by reporters later. "Yes, I am happy (with the start), but I wanted to score," Nemil admitted. "The feeling was great because I've been waiting for a long time for this moment. All thanks to coach and the staff for giving me this opportunity."
Patience Rewarded After Four-Year Wait
This start was only Nemil's third in the ISL since joining FC Goa in 2021 after a promising stint in Spain. His previous two starts came during his debut season (2021-22), followed by a four-year gap spanning 30 matches where he featured primarily as a substitute. "It's frustrating (to be on the bench) but I knew that I would get my chance," Nemil reflected. "The coach has been telling me to train hard and be patient. I was waiting for this moment. Of course, because there are less foreigners – and they play most games – there are lot of opportunities for Indian players like me (this season). I must make it count."
Despite having no goal contributions in the ISL so far, Nemil came close to opening his account against Kashi, denied only by a reflex save from Spanish goalkeeper Lluis Tarres. Looking ahead to the remaining 12 matches, his objectives are clear: "get as many minutes as possible, score as many goals and help the team."
