FC Goa's head coach, Manolo Marquez, spoke about the team's decision to bring on veteran goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani and the challenges they have faced defensively in the ongoing Indian Super League season. With just 4 points in 3 games, the Gaurs are looking to improve their performance and secure a win against NorthEast United FC. Marquez addressed concerns about the team's backline, acknowledging that injuries and lack of form have contributed to their defensive struggles. However, he also emphasized that defending is a collective effort and the entire team needs to work on improving their performance.
Laxmikant Kattimani: A Veteran Goalkeeper's Return to FC Goa
Indian Super League (ISL) side FC Goa has bolstered its goalkeeping department with the acquisition of veteran custodian Laxmikant Kattimani. The experienced shot-stopper joins the Gaurs after a stint with Hyderabad FC.
Manolo Márquez's Decision
FC Goa's head coach, Manolo Márquez, has explained the team's decision to sign Kattimani. Márquez noted that the team has faced defensive challenges in the ongoing ISL season and believes that the addition of an experienced goalkeeper like Kattimani will help stabilize the backline.
Defensive Struggles
FC Goa has conceded 4 goals in their opening 3 games of the ISL season. Márquez has attributed these defensive woes to injuries and a lack of form among the team's defenders. However, he has stressed that defending is a team effort and that everyone on the field needs to improve their performance.
Kattimani's Experience
Laxmikant Kattimani is a highly experienced goalkeeper with over 200 ISL appearances to his name. He has been a key part of several successful ISL teams, including Mumbai City FC and ATK Mohun Bagan. Kattimani is known for his shot-stopping abilities, aerial prowess, and leadership qualities.
Top 5 FAQs
Why did FC Goa sign Laxmikant Kattimani? To improve their defensive stability and address their ongoing defensive challenges.
What are the defensive issues that FC Goa has faced? Injuries and a lack of form among the defenders.
How does Manolo Márquez view defending? As a collective effort involving the entire team.
What are Laxmikant Kattimani's strengths as a goalkeeper? Shot-stopping abilities, aerial prowess, and leadership qualities.
Has Kattimani played for FC Goa before? No, this is his first stint with the Gaurs.
In the group league opener of the Women's T20 World Cup, England's four-pronged spin attack proved to be too much for Bangladesh as they secured a hard-fought 21-run victory. Despite a slow track, England's openers Maia Bouchier and Danni Wyatt-Hodge's 48-run stand helped them reach a total of 118/7. Bangladesh struggled to form partnerships and eventually fell short, with only Sobhana Mostary's 44 off 48 balls providing any real threat to England's dominant bowling display.
Arsenal's Bukayo Saka scored one goal and provided two assists in a comeback 3-1 win against Southampton. Manager Mikel Arteta praised the 23-year-old's maturity and game-changing qualities, noting that he has taken another step up this season with his clinical performances. Saka's seven assists in the Premier League make him the top assist provider in the division, and his goal against Southampton added to his impressive scoring record in recent games.
Get ready for an exciting Friday evening as the Casa Pia A.C. takes on Sporting C.P. in a heated match for the 2nd round of the Liga Portugal. Tune in at 8:15 PM to catch the live action from the Estádio Municipal de Rio Maior, streaming exclusively on RTP Internacional. Don't miss a minute of the intense competition between these two top teams.
Liverpool secured a 1-0 victory against Crystal Palace in the Premier League match with a goal from Diogo Jota in the first-half. The match, which was live streamed from Selhurst Park and attended by reporters Paul Gorst and Ian Doyle, saw the Liverpool ECHO launch their own WhatsApp community for fans to receive real-time updates and breaking news from the team. Unfortunately, Liverpool may have to play without their star goal-keeper Alisson until after the November international break due to an injury.
In an exciting turn of events, India's T20I Captain Suryakumar Yadav expresses his faith in the talented Mayank Yadav, who is expected to make his debut against Bangladesh. With an increasing number of injuries among fast bowlers, the skipper emphasized the need to handle the young player carefully. Follow CricTracker for all the latest cricket news and updates, and download the exclusive app for easier access.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has praised midfielder Kai Havertz for his exceptional performance in their 3-1 victory against Southampton. Havertz became the first Arsenal player to score in seven consecutive home appearances since Robin van Persie, solidifying his role as a key player for the Gunners. In their match report, BBC Sport highlights Havertz's impressive record and his crucial contribution to the team's win.
Al-Hilal, along with fellow Saudi Pro League team Al-Ahli, maintained a perfect record in the Asian Champions League Elite after two games. The holders of the league, Al-Ain, suffered a 4-2 loss against Al-Gharafa. Al-Hilal's dominant performance, led by goals from Seydou Sano and Yacine Brahimi, left them on top of the west Asian standings.
Star wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson will be returning to lead the Kerala team for the second round of the Ranji Trophy after India's tour against Bangladesh in 2024. The Kerala Cricket Association had announced its 15-member squad for the first round without Samson due to his national commitments. After displaying his batting prowess in the Duleep Trophy, Samson's return to the domestic circuit will give him important game time before the upcoming T20 series against South Africa.
As India prepares for the T20Is against Bangladesh, fans are eagerly anticipating which uncapped players will make their debut. One of them is promising bowler Mayank Yadav, who impressed with his pace in the recent IPL season. While there is uncertainty about his debut, captain Suryakumar Yadav has confirmed that Sanju Samson will open for India alongside Abhishek Sharma. The India skipper also praised the new T20-friendly pitch at Gwalior's new cricket venue, which could make for a competitive match.
All-rounder Shivam Dube has been replaced by Tilak Varma ahead of the first T20I against Bangladesh due to a back injury. Varma has only played in 15 T20Is, but now has a chance to cement his spot in the Indian squad with this opportunity. This comes after Dube's successful run in the T20 World Cup in 2024, where he played in all eight games.