We must play our own game, says FC Goa manager Zico

Like most ISL teams, even FC Goa have some fitness issues (Image source: ISL)

League Leaders FC Goa travel to Mumbai City FC, as they look to extend their lead on top of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) table to four points. But it will be easier said than done for Zico’s men with Mumbai City FC gaining momentum following their 2-0 win over Delhi Dynamos.

Coach Zico acknowledged the hosts’ attacking threat, but felt his team needs to play their own game and not focus on any individual players from Mumbai City FC.

“I know Mumbai City FC has some very good players. We must pay attention to that and be alert to the danger, but we must not forget it’s a team that wins matches. They have a very good team and we must take on them as a team,” said the legendary Brazilian coach.

FC Goa slightly altered their approach after the 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Chennaiyin and went in with a more compact midfield against NorthEast United and Kerala Blasters. But coach Zico said that his side went in with the same philosophy in the game despite the change in formation.

“Our midfield was more compact in the last two games, but our philosophy stayed the same. We attacked with the same vigour and managed to score five goals. I don’t want us to change our philosophy and we must lay our own game against Mumbai City FC.”

FC Goa have displayed great character to come back from the 4-0 defeat and to win games after falling behind in them. However, coach Zico has instructed his team, not to be affected by conceding a goal and keep playing the way they do.

“I have told my players that conceding a goal is normal in football. It’s important to keep playing the way you do and believe in yourself. So far we have shown what we are made up of and I am very pleased with how things have panned out so far for us," added Zico.

The games come thick and fast in the ISL and coach Zico conceded that some of his players weren’t in the best condition to play against Mumbai City FC, but Zico was pleased with the mental & physical fitness of those who are ready to play.

“I feel in the ISL, everyone faces the problem of fitness. We too have some players who may not be able to play against Mumbai City FC, but I am happy with the players who are ready for the game,” said FC Goa’s gaffer, Zico.

FC Goa may not have it all their own way against a strong looking Mumbai City FC side, but Zico’s talented bunch of players will believe that they can overturn Mumbai City FC in their own backyard and extend their lead to four points at the top of the ISL charts.