‘Manolo is very demanding, observes every small detail’

Panaji: Boris Singh Thangjam and Ayush Chhetri exemplifies all that has gone right for FC Goa this season.
The young players were on the fringes when Manolo Marquez took over the team last season. Boris was unsure of his place on the wings and Ayush was relegated to the bench, given that experienced domestic midfielders like Rowllin Borges and Raynier Fernandes stepped in.
This season, there’s been a sea change. Boris started 25 of the 26 games in the Indian Super League (ISL), while Ayush accumulated 1300 minutes of playing time, more than what he had even under coach Carlos Pena when he was an automatic choice in midfield.
To top it all, both players were handed their international debuts by Manolo, who also coaches the national team.
“Maybe for the last five to six years I have been dreaming of representing the senior national team,” said Boris, who was part of the India team at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2017 at home. “It’s as a right back, a reward for what I have done all through this season. For this opportunity, I just want to thank everyone; the coach and staff who have been involved with Goa.”
Boris is a natural right back, a position he made his own when India hosted the FIFA U-17 World Cup. But lack of chances at the senior level meant he switched to the wings, under Owen Coyle, at Jamshedpur. “I told him I wanted to play, even if it’s on the wing. I can play in any position.”
At Goa, Manolo reverted Boris to right back this season and now enjoys his complete trust. “He improved me a lot, trusts me, and brings my positive side (on the field). That’s why I am thankful; it’s a move that resulted in me being part of the national team.”
Quite unexpectedly, Ayush too made it to the national team. When the season kicked off, he was possibly third choice at the club, behind Rowllin and Sahil Tavora, but his work ethic and commitment won Manolo over.
“Honestly, I didn't expect the call,” admitted Ayush. “It was always a dream to play for the country. Against Maldives (the debut), it was an unforgettable night for me.”
There’s no guarantee that Boris and Ayush will get summoned again in June for the next international assignment. They are under no illusion either and believe it’s only their consistency in training and competition that can help them go far, particularly with Manolo at the helm of affairs.
“Manolo is different from other coaches because he demands a lot,” said Boris. “Once he has seen quality in you, he will expect more. Small, small details which other coaches would probably ignore, matter a lot. Like for instance, the pass that we make in training, how we control the ball, the body shape while receiving the ball, everything counts.”
Ayush agreed. “He is very strict on the ground, very demanding. When to dribble, when to pass, everything has to be perfect.”