First of all, there is a rule that home teams have to provide a ground for visitors to practice. Atletico did not give any good place for us to practice. There was no respect for us here,"
Zico,
FC Goa coach
AGENCIES
KOLKATA
FC Goa again failed to crack the code to dismantle champions Atletico de Kolkata on Sunday. Kolkata has not been kind to the Gaurs, but the legendary Brazilian coach was unhappy even before the kick-off against the inaugural champions.
Zico wasn't impressed by the facilities afforded to FC Goa in the City of Joy. "First of all, there is a rule that home teams have to provide a ground for visitors to practice. Atletico did not give any good place for us to practice. There was no respect for us here," he complained.
"In Goa, we practice in a far away ground from Fatorda. Our home stadium is provided to the visitors so they can field their best eleven against us according to the ground situations," he added.
Dudu Omagbemi scored a hat-trick in the last game and Brazilian coach was full of praise for the forward. "He is a good player. I have known him since his Pune stint last year. I was surprised that no one picked him in the ISL before. We are happy with the opportunity to get him in our side now," he enthused.
Zico has been particularly pleased by the growing involvement of Indian players in the ISL. "Last year, many Indians did not play. I am happy to see the likes of Sunil Chhetri playing. (Eugeneson) Lyngdoh from Pune, (Siam) Hangal from NorthEast and of course our players in FC Goa have impressed me," he expressed.
The FC Goa boss was asked about the difference in Atletico from last year and he claimed that they are more attacking this time around. "They are playing offensive. The way the team is approaching games are different. They are not very close and going forward," he opined.
The Brazilian legend declined to comment on the poor form of Indian players on the international circuit on account of not watching India's games. "I cannot comment because I havent watched the matches," he concluded.
