VASCO: Arthur Antunes Coimbra , Zico the Brazilian coach was optimistic of winning all games thrown to the team. “At the finals on Sunday our main aim is to win and bring home the title for our fans,” said Zico at the Tilak Maidan , Vasco on Friday evening.
Zico had coached the Japanese national team, in the 2006 FIFA World Cup and won the Asian Cup 2004, and Fenerbahçe, and was quarter-finalist in 2007–08 in the Champions League with him leading the squad.
Often called the White Pele, Zico was a creative player, gifted with excellent technical ability and vision. This very ability led the FC Goa upto the finals and it will be left to be seen if Zico could repeat his feat of 2004 on Sunday.
“The Chennaiyin FC is a good team. They came very strong in their last game that they played against Atletico de Kolkata. I give them full credit.
“But the FC Goa squad is good to go except for Raju Gaikwad and Reinaldo Da Cruz Oliveira, there is a possibility they would be benched,” informed Zico.
The FC Goa team was put through their paces under the watchful eye of Zico while the fans cheered them all along the 2-hour long exercise.
Zico being a creative player and gifted with excellent technical ability and vision was considered one of the most skilled finishers and best passers ever during his playing days. His experience was actually seen while the team trained one tap passing and pin point ball placing on Friday evening.
“I just want to win. I do not look back at past glory as this season portrayed some very talented players. I need to focus on the final,” said Zico.
Shrinivas Dempo, co-owner of FC Goa was all praise for the Brazilian coach.
“I think one thing of our team’s success is the great unity in the team. The leadership of Zico and crowd support is key factor for FC Goa. Even players feel pressurized to give back the love the fans give. I think the coach is the one who holds the team together,” said Shrinivas.
The Brazilian coach was overwhelmed with the fans love and support and thanked the owners for all the support extended to him.
“I don’t know if I will continue or leave after the final. I think it not good to talk now I need to keep my focus on the final. Of course I live here very well. I love the fans. I don’t have any intentions to leave and go elsewhere,” informed Zico.
Shrinivas too shared similar feelings and expressed joy at having the legend guide The Gaurs in their second season too.
“Zico has not spoken to the management about leaving. He is extremely happy with us and so are we. We need to sit down after the tournament and discuss future plans,” added Shrinivas.
Minguel Habib, fitness trainer of FC Goa rated the team 98 per cent fit.
I train with the players through layers of programme. Coordination and mobility is one phase and then the second phase is change of acceleration and the third phase is the drill as on match day. A regular diet is administered for all the players.
This team is fighting fit. But Reinaldo and Raju are a bit of a concern. But we will take a call on Reinaldo tomorrow,” said the Syrian fitness trainer.
The fans in the backdrop went crazy when ever a goal was scored at the training and it looked as if it was match day with the Tilak Maidan almost full .
The co-owner too displayed his gratitude to the fans. “I salute all the people of Goa. It’s their team. The outstanding leadership of Zico has led us so far. He is a wonderful coach and a man of principals. He has gone on record to say we need to have six Indians play and in that 6 he has included Goan players. During training he has always encouraged the boys. Goan players like Mandar, Romeo and Victorino have matured under his guidance,” said Shrinivas with all humility..
