PANJIM: After suffering their first defeat in the Indian Super League season 3, FC Goa chief coach Zico is confident that his team can script a turnaround in their first home match against FC Pune City, at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Saturday.
FC Goa looked good in patches against NorthEast United FC. Although they did not score against their rivals, the Brazilian legend remains confident in his team’s ability to fight back.
“I think we played well. We tried our best, we fought but we couldn’t overcome them. This is just the beginning of the league. The first year too we started the league with a defeat but later we overcame it. We have to keep going to work on that,” said Zico.
NorthEast United’s opening goal came through goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani’s mistake and the second goal also asked questions about the defence. Zico, however, was unperturbed and is set to continue with his first choice goalkeeper.
“He has a lot of experience with us from the last two years. We have been playing together and when we lose, everyone loses. It is not the fault of one person,” he said.
It is not yet clear if Zico will alter his formation or even introduce new players in the starting eleven.
With injuries still plaguing his side, Zico doesn’t have the option to rotate his squad too much and hence, most of the players who started the game in Guwahati, are expected to start on Saturday.
Zico stated that he trusted Kattimani completely and also confirmed that the goalkeeper will be entrusted to do his duties in goal once again.
The skipper is also expected to continue alongside Brazilian starlet, Rafael Dumas who almost got a goal for his new team in the first half of the last match.
Raju Gaikwad looked to be at his best as he marshalled the right wing for his side while Fulganco Cardozo started on the left and they are likely to start in the same positions again. Mandar Rao Dessai was unable to open the campaign with a goal like he did in the previous edition of the tournament but he did come very close after he found himself unmarked in the box against NEUFC.
However, Subrata Paul was in fine form and kept his shot out. He will want to be more influential going forward and his pace will definitely be of use. Trindade Goncalves was the best player on the pitch for the Gaurs as he looked to combine well with Spaniard Joffre.
With three shots on target, the youngster looked most likely to get a goal for his team. He is expected to continue in midfield alongside Joffre and versatile midfielder, Sanjay Balmuchu. Richarlyson Barbosa who started in midfield could also get another chance while Reinaldo da Cruz Oliveira will also be looking to stake his claim for a starting berth alongside sharp shooter Rafael Coelho who will want to get on to the score sheet.
Zico will be looking for his first win against an Antonio Lopez Habas team in the ISL and his players will have to contend with familiar faces in Jonatan Lucca and Narayan Das who joined FC Pune City for the third season of the ISL.
FC Pune City has no such injury concerns and assistant coach Miguel remains confident that they will open their account soon.
“You have to understand that a majority of the players are new. It’s not easy to build a team like that. We need to play a few more games and the team will improve,” said Miguel.
Chief Coach Antonio Habas remains suspended for FC Pune City’s first four matches.
FC Pune City’s plans for the season went haywire after marquee Eidur Gudjohnsen picked up an injury during pre-season and was ruled out of the ISL. He has now been replaced by former Liverpool midfielder Mohamed Sissoko who will be available for selection.
“Eidur’s injury impacted us. He is a leader, a big player and now we have another marquee. He is doing his role. He will play the next game and try to make up for Eidur’s absence,” said Miguel.
