FC Goa coach Zico: I hope Pires' ban will not affect the squad

Zico addresses the media ahead of their away game against FC Pune City tomorrow

Ahead of their away game against FC Pune City, coach Zico talks about FC Goa’s preparations and the 2-game ban that Pires received after the Atletico de Kolkata clash.

Here is the Q&A from the press conference.

Q. We just heard about the ban that has been imposed on Robert Pires? Do you think it is harsh?

A. Zico- Suspension is always bad for players. But I’m sorry I can’t say anything about it. When I entered the changing room, Pires said that the Atletico coach punched him in the face. He was very nervous.

Q. Do you think that getting Fikru banned for a couple of matches is sort of justice?

A. Zico- Fikru was punished during the game and everyone saw what he did.

Q. How is Pires’s absence going affect the match tomorrow?

A. Zico- I hope that it will not affect much. We always have to prepare for every situation and play our best game. According to me we are not having too many.

Q. How has it been playing under a manager like Zico

A. Gabriel- It is a very good opportunity for us to play under the legendry Zico. He is a great player and a great coach.

Q. After three games, have you found a system with the team are you still experimenting?

A. Zico- Every game is different so we keep experimenting.

Q. Has the team practiced here yesterday or today was the first day?

A. Zico- Today is the first time we practiced here on this ground. Yesterday we practiced at the Police ground

Q. Have any players caught your eye from your team?

A. Zico- I see many good players in the team. They all are young and good players. They have a lot of scope to learn and grow. And I am trying to orientate them in the right way so they can play well.

Q. What are your thoughts on the officials of ISL?

A. Zico- I think the referees are good. Sometimes they get it right, sometimes they get it wrong. So many times it has happened that a fault was committed, instead of giving a punishment, they were just talking. I think the referees should act and punish the players when they commit a foul and not just try and explain them.

Q. What you think needs to be worked on for a win for FC Goa?

A. Gabriel- We are playing our best game and trying everything in our power. But I think it’s also the luck factor that is lacking in our efforts.

Q. What is the most important thing that you learned from Zico that has helped you in ISL?

A. Gabriel- He has taught us to move the ball forward, which is very important in any game.

Additional comments by Coach Zico- I would just like to say that FC Goa has been playing very well. In football everyone wants results very fast. It takes time to get to know the players and understand their strengths and weaknesses. This team has been training very hard. My team has been playing very efficiently and hard. We have created many opportunities to score but we didn’t score. I want to thank all the FC Goa fans for supporting us and loving us.