Team Herald
sports@herald-goa.com
MARGAO: Despite a heartbreaking loss in the second leg of the semi-finals against FC Goa at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, Roberto Carlos was all smiles at the post match press conference. Ruing the number of chances his side missed in the home leg, Carlos was quick to point out that that was where the team lost the tie. “We lost it in Delhi actually. We had so many chances to increase our lead but we didn’t do that. To be honest, I expected something like this over here. No doubt Goa were the better side today and they fully deserve this victory,” he said.
Lauding the efforts of his team, Carlos said, “I hold my team in very high regard. I hope to come back and try again. I had an excellent mix of players – Indian and foreign and it was an enriching experience.” He also said it was great for him as a coach to have been able to guide his side to the semi-finals. “I’m proud that I have reached the semi-finals but I’m used to winning. With you (media), I’m one person. When I get back home, my family will know how much this loss is actually hurting me,” he mentioned.
The substitution of John Arne Riise in the first half was a baffling since the Norwegian has been a pillar in the defence of the Dynamos. But Carlos explained his decision to remove the formed Liverpool defender saying, “Riise hit his head. I thought it would be better to get him off, push Chicao behind and reorganise the team,” he explained.
Carlos and Zico share a special bond with Zico having coached and mentored the full back at Fenerbahce. Carlos was thankful and full of praise for his Brazilian counterpart. “Zico is very special. We have two sides – one of friendship and one of professionalism. I wish him the best for the finals. May the better side win the finals. He’s been chasing a title as a coach for a while and I’m just starting out. Hopefully this will be one of many for him,” Carlos quipped before thanking India for opening its doors to him.
