Delhi Dynamos will host FC Goa at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Friday in what is set to be a spectacular showdown between two Brazilian legends Roberto Carlos, the marquee player-cum-coach of Delhi Dynamos FC and Zico, head coach of FC Goa.
FIFA World Cup-winner Carlos is the only rookie head coach to have entered the semi-finals this season. Also, the Lions are the only new contenders in the fray for the title this season amongst the usual suspects – Atlético de Kolkata, FC Goa and Chennaiyin FC. There is no denying that Carlos has transformed the Dynamos into a well-oiled unit that is difficult to break down with Anas Edathodika and John Arne Riise marshalling their backline. Amongst the four semi-finalists, Delhi have scored the least number of goals (18), however, Carlos’ tactical discipline and organisation has made sure they do not concede many either (20). The former Brazil left-back has been a stickler for sound defensive organisation and has a winning percentage of 42.8%. The Delhi gaffer, who was known for his marauding runs forward and goal-scoring ability in his playing days, seems to have demanded the same of his defenders and Anas and Riise’s goals suggest they have taken to his philosophy. Not just defence, Carlos also has laid plenty of emphasis on midfield and the Lions have dominated possession in nine games besides sharing the ball in equal measure on two occasions, thanks largely to the presence of Florent Malouda and Chicao.
Carlos and Zico go back a long way. It was Zico who brought Carlos to Turkish club Fenerbahçe in 2007 and both combined to lead the club to the league title the very same year. Talking to indiansuperleague.com ahead of the match, Carlos expressed his admiration for his former coach. "I always have respected Zico as a player, a manager and most of all as a person. He's like a father to me but when it comes to the match we leave all the love behind and focus on our biggest goal. I am preparing my team and ensuring I have the boys mentally and physically focused for the games ahead," he said.
Zico, who is leading the Gaurs into the semis for the second season running, too acknowledged his former charge’s coaching abilities in a league that boasts some highly competitive gaffers. “He’s going up against great coaches and experienced coaches from around the world so it’s good for him as a new coach and for his coaching career. And I feel his performance as a coach is good as he was able to use all his football knowledge and bring his team to the semi-finals,” Zico said.
A midfield maestro in his playing days, Zico’s philosophy of attacking football has clearly rubbed off on his team who are currently the top scorers with 29 goals. His love for attack-minded football was perhaps never more evident than when the Gaurs beat Mumbai City FC 7-0 in Hero ISL’s biggest ever win. Another interesting facet about Zico’s managerial approach is the attacking freedom granted by him to his frontmen. Goa are the only team to have scored three hat-tricks this season which were scored by three different individuals – Dudu, Thongkhosiem Haokip and Reinaldo. Goan goals are not just confined to their frontmen as Zico has instilled a sense of self-belief in his players which has seen them score from all over the pitch, regardless of whether they are wingers like Mandar Rao Dessai and Romeo Fernandes or midfield generals like Jonatan Lucca and Leo Moura. In fact, even their defenders like Keenan Almeida and Gregory Arnolin have found their names on the scoresheet. Zico also has a winning percentage of 50% which is much better than that of Carlos.
Whatever the eventual outcome of the semi-final may be, one thing is sure that the tension will be palpable over two legs and one can expect high-octane football with a touch of samba flair from both sides. Both Carlos and Zico will be hoping that their sides are still in the running for the final come the second leg on December 15 in Fatorda, which makes Friday’s encounter all the more intriguing.
