Five reasons why Lucio could lead FC Goa to the ISL title

by Kaushal Shukla June 23, 2015

FC Goa has brought the Indian Footballing World to a stand still after they announced the signing of legendary Brazilian defender Lucio as their marque player.

A World Cup, Champions League, two time Serie A and three time Bundesliga winner Lucio would have already lifted the FC Goa camp and also the football loving spirits of the Goans.

After being knocked out at the Semi-Final stage last year by eventual Champions Atletico de Kolkata, FC Goa would be keen to wrestle the title away from Kolkata, a city which has always rivaled Goa as the footballing capital of the country.

But after pulling off a coup by landing the highly decorated Brazilian, FC Goa are now genuine contenders for the ISL title.

We analyse five factors why Lucio could lead FC Goa all the way to glory come December.

1. A defensive General

Lucio is a rock solid defender. He has marshaled many defenses over the years which have blunted the most potent attacks in history. The Big Brazilian is infectious and is known to his fellow defenders going. Lucio will get the FC Goa defense totally organized and will make life difficult for opponent strike forces to break them down.

2. A Super Leader

After Pires struggled to have a great impact as the leader of the team, Lucio will fill that gap highly effectively. Having captained the Brazilian National team and led Inter Milan to a historic treble, Lucio is one of the finest skippers in modern day football. He will command respect both on and off the pitch.

3. A true Warrior

Lucio is a fighter. Even at 37, you are rest assured to get more than 100% from him at any level. With a hunger of a teenager, the illustrious Lucio will serve as an inspiration in the eyes of several local players who are looking to make it big in Indian football. This will galvanize the side, making it a real force to reckon with in this season’s ISL.

4. The Coach’s Man

With another Brazilian great, Zico at the helm, Lucio will have the manager’s ear and vice a versa. There would hardly be a better leader than Lucio to transmit his manager’s philosophy on the players. So expect a Brazilian touch to FC Goa this season and its there for the world to see what happens when the Brazilians get their act together.

5. Winning Mentality

All throughout his career, Lucio has been a winner. From scoring in the Champions League final for Leverkusen, to thwarting the likes of Ibrahimovic and Drogba en-route to Champions League glory with Inter in 2010, Lucio also played every minute of the 2002 World Cup success with Brazil. Lucio knows all about winning titles and his experience and winning mentality could just make the difference for FC Goa.

With the backing of football loving souls who are expected to flock the Fatorda Stadium come October are certain to strike a chord with the Brazilian and could be another huge factor as Lucio looks to guide FC Goa to glory.