Losing by four goals on home turf was embarrassing for the head coach and awkward for the players. But FC Goa, masterminded by Zico, overcame the negative feelings that emerged from that defeat to Chennaiyin FC by beating the same opponent 2-0 away.
Packing the backline with five defenders is an unusual tactical ploy for a Brazilian legend known for goal-scoring mastery. But Zico is intent on making life difficult for forwards. “Strikers will find life getting tougher, they will be given very little space and need to make the most of each chance they get,” he said.
“Two losses and you are out of the event. Coaches are trying to make sure teams don’t end up on the losing side. With the ISL past the halfway mark, teams will be careful,” Zico added.
Next on Goa’s path is FC Pune City, difficult to handle at home under an astute coach in David Platt.
Asked for his views on Zico’s seeming defensive mindedness, Platt said: “Rather than saying that a legend like him played defensive, it must be noted that Goa came back with three points from an away game.”
Elaborating on Goa’s formation against Chennaiyin, Platt said: “Five defenders were only on paper. If you noticed, they had three defenders when the team was on the attack as the wing-backs moved up in support. When the ball was with the opponent, they played with five at the back.”
Goa is adjusting to a long injury list, with Joffre Gonzalez, Reinaldo Oliveira, C. Sabeeth, Joaquim Abranches not available.
Three points lifted Zico’s squad to lead position in a very competitive ISL 2015 where no team has broken away from the chasing pack. Seven of eight sides, including Pune City, are within striking distance of the four knockout places.
Zico was aware of the threat Pune presented. “They have shown quality at home and even the only match lost [against Delhi Dynamos] was close. All we want is three points and hope our players show the same fighting spirit,” he said.
Pune City faces no injury worries, and so the coach can take his pick from variety of options. Replying to a query on whether his plan to make players hit peak form was happening as per schedule, Platt said: “Making players get to peak form is far away from my mind. I am trying to find players to fit into my combination for the Goa game.”
The home team has won four from five home games at Balewadi stadium and is on 13 points, one fewer than Goa. Both sides have scored and let in the same number of goals (11, 10 respectively) after eight matches.
