Zico returns as FC Goa manager for ISL's second season

Brazil’s legendary No 10 Zico will return as FC Goa manager for the Indian Super League’s second season.

In addition to assessing the teams preparedness for the forthcoming season, Zico will also be present for the Indian Super League’s first ever domestic auction scheduled to be held in Mumbai on 10 July.

Addressing a press conference, Zico said, “It feels fantastic to be back in Goa for ISL’s second season. We performed well as a team in the first season of the ISL and I look forward to an even better season this year. I look forward to training with the boys soon.”

Speaking on Zico’s return Dattaraj V. Salgaocar, managing director of VM Salgaocar Group (which co-owns FC Goa) said, “On behalf of the team at FC Goa and the people of Goa, I extend a warm welcome to Zico on his return to Goa for the second season of the ISL. With Zico back at the helm, I am certain we will have a seamless strategy to create a unified team who will play their best game and play to win. We are deeply honoured and privileged to have him back.”

Co-owners Dempo Group of companies’ chairman and managing director Shrinivas Dempo added: “The arrival and support of Zico, a global football icon and legend on the Indian footballing turf last season, marked the beginning of a glittering era for the beautiful game of football in India. With him as our coach, we have had an impressive first season. He is best qualified to lend direction to the FC Goa squad and we look forward to an even better season two. We are extremely happy that Zico has returned.”

FC Goa’s team composition includes marquee player Lucio. The Brazilian played in the 2002, 2006 and 2010 World Cups and won the Champions League with Inter Milan. He has also played for Juventus and Bayern Munich. Players retained in the team include:

Domestic: Romeo Fernandes, Mandar Rao Desai, Laxmikant Kattimani, Narayan Das, Debabrata Roy, Bikramjit Singh International: Gregory Arnolin (FRA) Players from the open market include:

Domestic: Pronay Halder, C S Sabeeth, Denson Devadas, Joaquim Abranches, Raju Gaikwad International: Jofre Mateu González (ESP), Lucio (BRA), Elinton Andrade (BRA), Reinaldo Da Cruz Oliveira (BRA), Victor Simões de Oliveira (BRA)

The second season of the Indian Super League (ISL) will see FC Goa play its opening match on its home turf on 4 October with the Delhi Dynamos.