ISL Team Profile - FC Goa

Brazilian legend Zico is leaving no stone unturned to turn FC Goa into a champion side going into the second edition of Indian Super League.

In the inaugural season last year, FC Goa won plenty of hearts for their spirited comeback that saw them finish second at the end of the group stage only to bow out in the semifinals against eventual champions Atletico de Kolkata, and that too in the tiebreaker.

Zico, just like thousands of Goans, was reported to be shattered with the loss and has now taken it upon himself to turn the fortunes of the Goan franchise.

For a start, he has personally selected all the foreign players in the team. It helps that there are seven Brazilian players in the squad, many of them known to Zico, while the others, Spanish midfielder JofreMateu Gonzalez, a ISL champion with ATK for example, have proven track record.

“The Brazilian players are not in the team only because they are Brazilians. They are all good players,” Zico said of the new signings.

Leading the FC Goa challenge will be former Brazil captain and 2002 World Cup winner Lucio. The Brazilian won everything that is on offer in Indian football, including a treble while at Inter Milan, and is now looking forward to a new, exciting challenge in the ISL.

The marquee player for FC Goa will lend solidity at the back and is expected to partner French defender Gregory Arnolin, the lone surviving foreign player from last year’s squad. Zico has taken pains to explain the absence of players from last season was not entirely by choice and said players like Bruno Pinheiro, Zohib Islam Amiri and goalkeeper Jan Seda all had contracts with other clubs.

“There is very little we could do about players who were already contracted with other clubs. I wanted many of my foreign players to return but we could not get their services,” said Zico.

The departure of Andre dos Santos -- who topped the player ratings in the ISL last year -- has not attracted as much commentary as the departure of Pinheiro, who showed remarkable composure in defence and midfield, and Jan Seda, winner of the Golden Glove.

There is, however, a fair chance that the new signings will prove Zico right.

Elinton Andrade, recently won the Beach Soccer World Cup with Portugal, and will be the first-choice goalkeeper while besides Lucio, Brazilian players like Leo Moura, who captained Flamengo for a long time, young Jonatan Lucca, Victor Simoes and Reinaldo are all established names in the world of football.

From amongst the domestic players, all eyes will be on Romeo Fernandes, the first Indian to play for a top-flight Brazilian club. India players like Narayan Das and PronayHalder are expected to fill the five available slots for domestic players.

Last season, FC Goa were slow off the blocks as Zico took time to get to know the players, forcing him to improvise, which made achieving what Goa did all the more impressive. 

This time around, Goa and Zico will want to hit the ground running.

FC GOA

Lucio (Marquee Player), Elinton Andrade, Gregory Arnolin, Jonatan Lucca, Leo Moura, JofreMateu, Reinaldo, Victor Simoes, Darryl Duffy, Luciano Sobrosa, Luis Barreto, LaxmikantKattimani, Keenan Almeida, Nicolau Colaco, Narayan Das, Raju Gaikwad, Debabrata Roy, Mandar Rao Desai, Denson Devadas, Romeo Fernandes, PronayHalder, Bikramjit Singh, Joaquim Abranches, Victorino Fernandes, Thongkhosiem Haokip and C.S Sabeeth.

                                                                                                                            --- Release

We must look at the I-league as our product, not the ISL: Praful Patel

Mr. Praful Patel, President, AIFF

"I’m happy to be here today and speak about Indian football. It’s been a few weeks into the ISL and it’s an ambitious and enlightened endeavor on behalf of the AIFF to bring football to the masses and enhance its popularity and bring more responses to the game.

"As you know we have the I-league which is the principal league in the country. We have been working over the years to upgrade and professionalize the league, bring it on par with other leagues and to boost the popularity of football in the country. After a lot of deliberation we thought that a shorter format of the game coupled with entertainment and glamour would be a booster for the game and eventually help boost the popularity of football and help football in the long run. Ours is the only federation from 209 members who has been allowed to have a tournament of this nature, the ISL. It took two years for us to convince FIFA about this. It’s a great opportunity for us to host a tournament such as the ISL. This is the reason why the entire global footballing community is looking at ISL closely. My only request to viewers is to be patient. It’s a new experiment and we need to ensure that Indian football grows.

"Lets not lose focus from the I-League. Like I’ve said before, it’s the backbone of Indian football. Only teams that participate in the I-league will be able to move up the ladder in terms of AFC championships and so on. ISL teams do not have that opportunity.  The I-league needs to be strengthened. Once the following of the teams improve we will have a better chance to bring in more youngsters in ISL teams which will help in offering exposure to our young players. 

"There are two teams in the ISL who are also connected to the I-league  – FC Goa and North East United.  I have been in discussions with ISL owners. They have been discussion on how to bring their teams into the I-league. Over a period of time, there will be an exercise where the I-league and ISL can come closer and strengthen both the formats in due course.

We have got the World Cup under 17 in 2017 which is the first FIFA tournament to come to India. We are also bidding for the Club World Championships in 2017 and 2018. When we win the bid, only the I-league clubs can play as the Indian entry. We will also get the World Cup under 20 in the next five years.

"Goa is a great place for Indian football. There is a passion for the game which exists in this beautiful state. I urge the govt of Goa to build world class football stadiums in the state. We request the other states to do the same.

Q & A:

Is there a difference in your opinion between pre and post ISL?

Its too early. It’s just been a few weeks. There is a lot of interest in Indian football because of the ISL, because of the international players and coaches. In Goa you have seen how Zico and Pires have brought in a lot of interest and enthusiasm from fans. Also best practices have been brought in with the ISL. Additionally better football coverage has helped ISL. The quality of television coverage between a game played at the ISL and an international game is almost the same. Moreover the teams have been putting in a lot effort into the matches.

The response to ISL has been amazing. Will there be a same approach in the I-league?

I’ll give you an example. The Bengaluru FC I-league team is putting in just as much effort as an ISL team is.  The stadiums are going full, they have banners and jerseys, they are on social media. There is a lot of interest in the teams. Bharat Fauj is also interested in getting into the I-league. In a matter of time a lot of teams will come into the I-league. There has been some unhappiness over the club licensing criteria, but the clubs have been given 5 years since 2009. And last year we gave a dispensation to all clubs and extended the deadline.

Yesterday Zico said there are too many foreign players at the ISL. There should be more Indian players. Your comments.

That suggestion is good. But I must tell you that I-league allows 4 players on field. We must look at the I-league as our product, not the ISL. We are focused on the growth of Indian football and that’s why we appreciate the efforts of the ISL and club owners who are doing so much to popularize football.

ZICO

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.

--- Press Release

Huge responsibility: Zico

Mumbai 23 September 2014 
FC Goa today introduced its marquee coach, Zico and marquee player Robert Pires at a well-attended ceremony at the Palladium Hotel in Mumbai. Present at the ceremony were Mrs. Nita Ambani, Founding Chairperson, Football Sports Development and Mr. Praful Patel, President, AIFF along with the owners  Mr. Venugopal N Dhoot, Mr. Dattaraj V. Salgaocar and Mr. Shrinivas V. Dempo. FC Goa’s first ‘friend’ actor Varun Dhawan was also present.

The Indian Super League club has already triggered a whirlwind of interest when it signed on a genuine Brazilian legend and three-time World Cupper Arthur Antunes Coimbra fondly known as Zico as its marquee coach. Zico has begun putting the FC Goa lads through the motions at team training sessions and is gearing for the first season of the ISL.

Former French international and Arsenal star Robert Pires, FC Goa’s marquee player was formally unveiled to the audience at the ceremony. Very few football aficionados would need an introduction to the star, who has been a part of the World Cup and Euro Cup winning squads for France and has won several club triumphs for Arsenal.

The big highlight at the event was the formal announcement of Virat Kohli, one of India’s finest contemporary cricketers, as the brand ambassador and co-owner of FC Goa. Kohli brings with him dynamism, grit and an unbridled energy, which are the elements that form the core of FC Goa.

Said Virat Kohli of his involvement in team FC Goa, “"FC Goa is going to be very competitive in the upcoming ISL. And the expertise and experience of stalwarts like Zico and Pires will further strengthen the already strong DNA that the team possesses, thanks to the Salgaocar, Dempo and Videcon  Groups’ involvement. I am very excited to be a part of this franchise in what definitely looks like a breakthrough for Football as a Sport in India"

Said Zico of his move to India, “There is a huge responsibility placed on my shoulders and I will do justice to it. I know expectations are high. I am motivated to take on this role of coach to FC Goa. Thank you for a wonderful welcome to India.”

Added Frenchman Robert Pires “I’m excited to play for FC Goa at the inaugural season of the ISL. I look forward to my time in Goa and India and to contribute positively to the development of football in the country.”

Mr. Venugopal N. Doot, Chairman of the Board, Videocon Industries, agreed saying, “These are exciting times for me and my partners Dattaraj Salgaocar and Shrinivas Dempo, who have shared a common dream - to make a valuable contribution to Indian football and elevate the standards of the sport in the country”.

Mr. Shrinivas Dempo Chairman and Managing Director of Dempo Group of Companies, said “The enthusiasm and interest in the sport is what drives us to invest in it. Football has always come before everything else. We are now looking forward to elevating the sport of football to a whole new level.  ISL has provided us with the unique opportunity to create this change and infuse fresh enthusiasm into the sport.”

Added Mr. Dattaraj V. Salgaocar Managing Director of V M Salgaocar and Company, “ We have supported football for over five decades. The arrival and support of these two global football icons on the Indian footballing turf, marks the beginning of a glittering era for the ‘Beautiful Game’ in India.  The team embodies the spirit of Joga Bonito, playing the beautiful game the way it should be played - with pace, power and passion. That’s what team FC Goa will bring to the ISL”‎

Said Varun Dhawan, “The moment I got to know about the ISL I wanted to be a part of it. I love football and it’s wonderful to see so much talent and enthusiasm around the sport”. 

FC Goa will kick off the first game of the Indian Super League against Chennaiyin FC  at home on October 16. Other teams in the Indian Super League include Kerala Blasters, Chennaiyin FC, Mumbai City FC, FC Pune City, Delhi Dynamos, Atletico de Kolkata and North East United.

The Adidas team kit was also unveiled at the ceremony. Talking about the team kit,  Tushar Goculdas, Brand Director, adidas India said, “adidas is the number one football brand in the world and we are excited to partner with FC Goa, the team representing one of the most passionate centres of football in India. The team is supported by a strong backbone, with owners having great footballing heritage, Virat- a world class athlete and passionate football fan and Zico, one of the greatest artists of the beautiful game. We are even more excited to unveil the team kit today, which has been created by our global design team and beautifully captures the essence of Goa. The team jersey will be available to FC Goa fans to buy in a few weeks.”

Videocon d2h was announced as the principal sponsor of team FC Goa.

The FC Goa Squad: Laxmikant Kattimani, Debabrata Roy, Gabriel Fernandes, Clifford Miranda, Shaikh Jewel Raja, Alwyn George, Narayan Das, Prabir Das, Mandar Rao Dessai, Romeo Fernandes, Peter Carvalho, Holicharan Narzary, Pronay Halder, Rowilson Rodrigues, Miguel Pereira Herlien, Miroslav Slepicka, Youness Bengelloun, Bruno Pinheiro, Edgar  Marcelino, Gregory Arnoli, Jan Seda and Robert Pires.

About FC Goa: Launched on August 26, 2014, FC Goa is Goa’s premier football club competing in the Hero Indian Super League, India’s top tier football league. Owned by Mr Venugopal Dhoot, Mr Dattaraj Salgaocar, Mr Shrinivas Dempo and Mr. Virat Kohli, it has its home ground at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, South Goa.

About the Indian Super League: The Hero Indian Super League (ISL) tournament is organized under the aegis of the All India Football Federation (AIFF). It is currently contested by eight teams from across India, played on a league basis (home and away games). The top four teams will qualify for the semi-finals and the winners of the double leg semi-finals will play in the finals. There will be 56 league matches and five knock-out matches held between October 13 and December 20, 2014.

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