Salt Lake stadium turf not conducive to football: Zico

FC Goa coach Zico

Kolkata, Dec 9 (IANS) Brazilian legend and ISL franchise FC Goa coach Zico Tuesday expressed unhappiness about the artificial turf at the Salt Lake stadium saying it was not conducive to football.

"The last time I was here it was real grass, now its artificial turf, not conducive to play football," Zico told reporters at the press conference ahead of their clash against Atletico de Kolkata in the Indian Super League Wednesday.

Japan, coached by Zico, had played a World Cup qualifier against India at the venue in 2004. The visitors had won 4-0 on the grass field.

Asked about the unsavoury incident involving Atletico de Kolkata striker Fikru Teferra and Goa defender Gregory Arnolin, Zico gave a guarded response, saying, "I tell my players to play football and nothing else."

Zico refused to divulge whether he would field a full strength side Wednesday as his team has already qualified for the semi-final. "For tomorrow I have the ideal team, tomorrow you can see it," he added.

The Brazilian, who spoke through an interpreter, said his team is ready to face any team in the semi-final -- be it Chennaiyin FC or Atletico.

"We do not have to choose, we are ready to confront any team in the semis," he said.

Zico said it was one of his "best ever experience" to coach an ISL side like Goa in such a wonderful tournament. On Brazilian and former Arsenal defender Andre Santos, Zico said he was surely "one of the best players" in his side as he is well supported by his teammates.

"I think he (Santos) is one of the best, but his team-mates are helping him too," said the Brazilian.