Buoyed by the presence of as many as seven compatriots, legendary Brazilian is keen on ensuring FC Goa get quickly off the blocks in Season II
They finished second in the group stages of the inaugural season, but things could have been a lot better for FC Goa had they not lost their first four matches. Getting quickly off the blocks is coach Zico's top priority for Season II. And it's not surprising to see him take the centre stage as far as ringing in changes in concerned.
The Brazilian legend has opted for local flavour to turn things around for the side co-owned by cricketer Virat Kohli. From having one Brazilian in the form of Andre Santos last season, Zico has roped in seven compatriots to instil a home-like atmosphere in the dressing room.
"It took me a lot of time to realise who the players were and where they came from. That was the reason for our poor start last year. We gelled as the tournament progressed and managed to go all the way to the semifinals (losing to eventual winners Atletico de Kolkata on penalties). This year will be better because I got to choose the players who joined and left. As far as the number of Brazilians are concerned, it's easier to implement my philosophy with them," said Zico, who played in three editions of the FIFA World Cup.
Leading the FC Goa challenge will be former Brazil captain and 2002 World Cup winner Lucio. The marquee signing will be the mainstay at the heart of FC Goa's defence along with Gregory Arnolin, the lone surviving foreign player from last year's squad.
"It was a new challenge for me. I spoke to Zico and he explained to me the nature of the league. The discussion with him made me join this project. He was all the incentive I needed to come and play here. Also, having so many Brazilians in the side gives the dressing room a very home-like atmosphere," said Lucio, treble winner with Inter Milan in 2010.
Adding to the Brazilian flavour is Elinton Andrade, who recently won the Beach Soccer World Cup with Portugal. He will be the first-choice goalkeeper. Flamengo captain Leo Moura was another key signing by Zico and will the driving force in the midfield. Jonatan Lucca, Victor Simoes, Luciano Sabrosa and Reinaldo are the other Brazilians in the squad.
But Spanish midfielder Jofre Gonzalez might turn out to be Zico's best signing in the summer. Gonzalez played a vital role at Atletico de Kolkata last year. That apart, his playmaking ability and partnership with Moura will be an added bonus for Zico.
When it comes to domestic players, FC Goa have retained the likes of Romeo Fernandes, Laxmikant Kattimani, Mandar Rao Desai and Narayan Das. The new signings are Victorino Fernandes and Thongkhoseim Haokip.
Led by Lucio in defence, the Goan side looks a very stable outfit. With their first three games this season to be played at home (Fatorda), Zico won't have many excuses should his side fail to make the knockouts.
KNOW YOUR TEAM
FC Goa
Coach: Zico
Last season (Group Stage)
Played: 14
Won: 6
Draw: 4
Lost: 4
Goals Scored: 16
Goals Conceded: 13
Top Goalscorer: Miroslav Slepicka (5)
Retained Players
Foreigners: Gregory Arnolin, Bruno Pinheiro
Indians: Laxmikant Kattimani, Debabrata Roy, Narayana Das, Bikramjit Singh, Mandar Rao Desai, Romeo Fernandes
Players Signed
Foreigners: Lucio, Luciano Sabrosa, Victor Simoes, Leo Moura, Reinaldo, Jofre, Jonatan Lucca, Elinton Andrade
Indians: Luis Barreto, Raju Gaikwad, Darryl Duffy, Thongkhosiem Hoakip, Denson Devadas, Victorino Fernandes, Nicolau Colaco, Pronay Haider, Keenan Almeida, Chinadorai Sabeeth, Joaquim Abranches
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