ISL 2015: Interview with FC Goa manager Zico

Zico’s second year in the ISL has been a successful one, just like the first

Two years into his reign at FC Goa, Zico, by his own admission has developed quite the bond with India.

The Brazilian legend, famously referred to by the moniker “White Pele” had been instrumental in the development of the J League; a tournament which many believe led to the surge in the evolution of Japan as a powerhouse in Asian football and his introduction as a manager here had got plenty hopeful about a similar rise.

One look at India’s FIFA ranking though and even the most ardent of fans would tell you that we are far from being labelled a formidable power in Asia let alone world football. In an interaction with the media leading up to his team’s semi final against Delhi Dynamos tomorrow, Zico gave his opinion on how India can replicate Japan’s rise.

“Firstly you need to have the league going on for the whole of the year. Also at the most, there should be three players from outside playing in the starting XI of a team.

“Like we had in Japan or what exists in Qatar, people concentrate all their finances on getting these 3 big names; that way, every one benefits in an optimal manner.”

Asked whether this tradition that the ISL seem to have borrowed from leagues like the MLS in the USA, that of getting players who have long hanged up their boots or are nearing retirement is doing more harm than good to the development of sport here, he said, “I don’t think age or timing of one’s retirement matters. As long as a player is fit, he should be brought in. Look at Malouda, he has been absolutely brilliant.”

Semifinal remains Zico’s immediate focus

Unsure if he would return next year, Zico preferred to focus on tomorrow’s game, “Delhi didn't really outplay us in the first leg; we had a lot of opportunities too, just that we couldn't score. Also Raju getting injured hampered our chances.”

“The team is however focused on reversing the result tomorrow. We need to put in our best foot forward and play our natural game.”

Reminiscing about last year’s loss to Atletico de Kolkata in a shoot out at the same stage of the tournament, he added, “We have been practicing taking penalties; its not an aberration though, we have doing it all season long.”

“Tomorrow the boys will come good, although I am hoping it doesn't get to that and we seal the game in regulation time.”