FATORDA: FC Goa’s campaign came to an end in the ISL season three following their 1-2 loss against ATK at Nehru Stadium, here, on Thursday.
The Gaurs had a poor run in the league and was the first team to be eliminated from the knock-out phase. Despite Kolkata sent the home team packing, FC Goa gaffer Zico explained that they were eliminated at the beginning of the tournament.
“I think today was not what eliminated us. It came since the beginning of the tournament,” said Zico during the post-match conference.
“No doubt in many games we were superior, but could not convert our chances and even at home we were very strong but we lost,” he explained.
Zico’s men dominated most of the games, but failed to score. The most attacking team in the ISL fumbled in front of the goal in this ISL season to which the Brazilian labelled the team as “disorganised team”.
“We are not inferior to any other team. We had time to win the game but we were not organised and I’m very ashamed to see the team that way,” Zico expressed.
“I’m very disappointed in the way our team played. We cannot carry on playing like this, in such a disorganised manner. I have won many games and lost too. I have been in worst situations than this but it is the first time that I have managed a team that is so disorganised and I felt disrespected,” the coach said.
The team lost the match in the dying minutes as Atletico de Kolkata struck from a counter attack and the Brazilian felt that the players’ individual approach towards the game cost them the match.
“I give all freedom for my players and they can switch positions at will. We practice and everyone has their own duties. I always say to my players that we can’t win games individually but we win as a team,” he added.
“Sometimes we win the game in the last minutes but we lost today. Everyone wanted to be a hero and if we were organised and kept our shape then we could have won the match. There were 3-4 players in the counter-attack,” explained Zico.
Despite Gaurs poor run in the tournament, the stadium had the same energy throughout the season and Zico apologized for the loss and thanked the fans for their never-ending support and love.
“I would like to apologise to FC Goa fans because they always supported us and always stayed by our side. I thank them on behalf of our players as well, and even though we may not feature in the play-offs, we will give our best in the two remaining games,” Zico concluded.
