ISL: 'As a player and a coach I lost and won many games at the last minute' - FC Goa coach Zico

FC Goa coach Zico

A delighted FC Goa coach Zico after his side registered their first win of ISL addressed the media in the post-match press conference:

What was going on through your mind during the last few minutes of the game?

I’m an optimistic guy. I believe till the end that the best will happen. As a player and a coach I lost and won many games at the last minute. In football anything can happen. I thank all the FC Goa supporters for the love, encouragement and support we received through the weeks. Even when we were not winning. We can now gift them this win. It’s the first win of many.

Can you update us on the injuries of Andre Santos and Gregory?

Andre Santos was hit on his leg at the last game. It happened again this time so he couldn’t continue with the game. Gregory was complaining about his knee before the game so I thought it best to keep him out. I think Andre’ injury is not too serious, but maybe Gregory’s may be because its his knee and its more complicated. We will have to wait 48 hours to access the seriousness of the situation.

Jewel, Romeo and Mandar played well. Will they have more chances in next games?

I always say to my players, I don’t have 11, I have 27 players so everyone has to be ready to play. Everyone will get an opportunity to play so they have to be prepared always. When I came here, Jewel was the first 11, but in a friendly he was injured. Now he’s better and I’m happy for him. He played well. All the players are ready and will get an opportunity to play.

Jewel you scored and got man of the match. You must be happy?

Yes I’m happy. I was injured and recovered slowly. Thanks to my coach, who trusted me and offered me a chance to play the match. I’m very happy

Whats the problems with Indian football?

From what I see, there should be better grassroots development especially at the under 15 and under 17 level. If we prepare then when they are young, we will be able to see better footballers and can nurture talent. Indian coaches can see such good players at the ISL and they can show their younger players the techniques.

The team has been missing chances. Would you be frustrated if they missed chances and didn’t score?

Im very happy because they created opportunities even though they didn’t score earlier. It shows the progress we have made over the weeks. Sometimes they choose the wrong option when they need to play a particular move. There are things the players need to learn. But it doesn’t happen overnight. We have to wait and be patient. Results will follow. At practice I try to teach players to make certain moves. There was pressure to win today, so the team may have been a bit reckless and we missed some opportunities. But I’m happy to see them fight and give their everything.