How important is the return of Robert Pires?

Zico: His return is very important because he is a great player, a great professional and I thought it was a bit unfair that he was banned for two games so it’s very important that we have him back.

What are your comments on the Kerala Blasters team? any thought on tomorrow’s game?

Zico: It is a team that is in the same situation as us. They have four points like us and I know it was very difficult for them to play all these games away. They are playing at home now and we need to be very cautious of this team.

FC Goa has conceded a lot of goals in the matches played but you have gone with the same back four for the last four matches. What is the thinking behind this? Are you still confided with the defense?

I think our problem is not our defense. We are losing so many opportunities in our forward line. We have created many opportunities in all the games we have played. Our defense has played very well and are doing their best. I trust my defense a lot.

Tolgay, how imp was the last win? Is this ground in Kochi lucky for you?

Tolgay: The win last week was very imp for our team. I believe in every match we have been dominating the game and controlling matches but have been unlucky in scoring goals. Our win in the last match kick started our ISL season. As for this ground, I have played once or twice before and have scored. It’s been a lucky ground for me. Hope it will be lucky for our team tomorrow.

There is no touchline standardisation from ground to ground. The technical area is 15 meters from the touchline here in Kochi as compared to other grounds. What are your views?

Zico: I respect the rules of the game. If it is this way what can I do? I can do only what is possible in the situation. In general it is a pity as we the coaches are used to being closer to the player so we can give directions to the players, but it is ok. We will do the best we can within what’s possible.

Santos has been starting in FC Goa’s games quiet regularly in the same position. Is that the best suitable position for Santos?

Zico: It was my first choice because we didn’t have so many players playing in this position. The only player we had was injured. If you look at games played by Andre Santos you will find he also plays as a forward/striker. Maybe a little more to the left but always forward.

This particular ground has a cricket pitch on it which has been covered with grass. Have you had a look at it? What do you think about it.

Zico: I haven’t see it yet so I will go have a look now. I hope it will be suitable for practice. Most of the grounds we have played at have been good and from what i have seen on television too they all look good. My only regret is that the most famous city for football, Kolkata, has an artificial turf. Even if it is allowed by FIFA, it is not a proper ground to play football. And it is not good for all the teams because they do not have the opportunity to practice on this ground. Only Kolkata is playing there. And everyone knows it is very difficult to play on an artificial turf compared to a real grass turf. This is an advantage for the Kolkata team because they are the only ones to practice there and play their home games there. No one else has the same opportunity. And I regret that ISL has not seen this before.

The post Robert Pires back after two matches ban, FC Goa looks confident against Kerla Blaster appeared first on Football Counter.

FC Goa coach and manager Zico and marquee player Robert Pires

Q. Zico, Are you ready for tomorrow’s match?

A. Zico- Our practice has been going really great all these days. We played three friendlies and we even won them. So yes we are ready for the match tomorrow. From the 27 players we have 25 players who are ready and fit to play.

Q. Friendlies are different from an actual match. How different will the atmosphere be?

A.Zico- Surely the friendlies are different from the tournament matches. What is most important is the tournament matches and we save all the tactics for the main matches. The good thing about these friendlies was that they helped us understand our game and organize our team.

Q. Any advice from your experience you would like to pass on to the players?

A. Robert Pires- I have played matches in France, Spain, UK and now in India. Only one thing I would like to say is that ISL is a very good opportunity for India to develop football. I am repeating myself that I am happy to be here. Now I know that Indians love football and like Zico said we are ready for tomorrow’s match.

Q. Do any Indian players ask you for any advice?

A. Robert Pies- Yes of course they ask me for my advice. And I think it’s good and like I said earlier I feel like a teacher and I am here to teach them. There’s quality in football in India and now you have a chance to learn good football as well. I feel like I have a great responsibility on me so its very important for me to help them.

Zico- My career was long time ago. But I have told the players to look at Robert Pires and follow him. It is much easier for them to look at him and understand his style of playing, the way he behaves on the field. So the players have and are learning a lot from Robert Pires.
My advice to the players is if you have a desire to win then you can. Just give your best on the ground and play a good game. I have also told them that if they don’t play good football, I accept that. But they have to give their heart in their game and play. This is what I ask of them.

Q. Coming where from country where football is nothing less than a religion, I would like to know if you are happy with the support staff, training facilities and ground conditions?

A. Zico- At the moment we are very satisfied. We know that there are few things that are missing. But we understand that perfectly. We are very happy with the ground practice that has been happening in the past few days. We understand the shortcomings but we have to overcome that and we try that these shortcoming does not interfere in our games.

Robert Pires- I think everything is good here. This country is huge, and people here love football. Of course I am from UK and football there is religion and I think in India it is the same. But yes I got a good opportunity to play with the Indian players and I wish big success for ISL.

Q. Have you tried to incorporate the Samba style in FC Goa?

A. Zico- No we have not.

Q. What did you think about the football level here in India when you arrived here?

A. Zico- I know about Indian football quite well. If I didn’t know I wouldn’t have been doing this tournament. But the biggest problem we have is at the grass root level. Because there are great players at under-15 and under-19 level and they learn only after they become professionals. They need to be taught various aspects of football from the very start and this will definitely help the development of football.

Q. You have played in UK, France and Spain. How difficult is it for you here considering the weather conditions?

A. Robert Pires- Yes it is very difficult to play in this weather. It is very difficult to play in humid conditions, but now I’m getting used to it. But for me what is more important for me is helping the Indian players with football.

Zico- The players feel humidity more while playing but they are getting used to playing in the heat. The weather conditions in Brazil are similar to Goa in fact much worse sometimes. But we have to overcome all these hardships and play to win.

Q. If approached are you prepared to coach India?

A. Zico- I am prepared to train FC Goa.

Q. Iceland has 9 points from qualifying matches. It is a small country which is doing well. How can Indian learn from them?

A. Zico- India has to work hard and if one has the desire they can achieve it.

The post FC Goa Pre match Press conference with FC Goa coach and manager Zico and marquee player Robert Pires appeared first on Football Counter.

Said Andre Santos post his training session,”It is a pleasure that I got a chance to come to Goa. People received me very warmly. I am a bit tired because of the long journey but I am glad to be here. It is really amazing training with Zico and Robert Pires. The whole team accepted me warmly on the first day itself and i am sure we will put forward a very good tournament”

Talking about Andre Santos, coach Zico said,” It is really good that Andre Santos has come over in to the squad. He was the last piece that was missing, now we are a full team. His quality and experience will help the team a lot. Even though’ he has come in late, the team has accepted him and they are very excited too.

A youth product of Figueirense in Brazil, Santos participated and helped Brazil capture the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup. He joined EPL team Arsenal from Fenerbache in 2011 and eventually moved to Brazil to play with Gremio followed by Flamengo.

At the national level, André Santos was initially considered the heir to the throne occupied by Roberto Carlos. He represented the ‘Seleção’ in 24 matches, and was a part of the 2009 Confederations Cup, 2010 FIFA World Cup, and 2011 Copa America squads.

The post Andre Santos joins FC Goa squad at training appeared first on Football Counter.

In a keenly fought out game, FC Goa got their game going on home ground with Robert Pires as captain. Both team had a number of chances to take the lead but the first half ended 0-0. FC Goa players strung a number of passes around the field to the delight of the fans that filled up the west stand.

In the second half FC Goa came out with the sole aim of winning this game and remaining undefeated. And the aim was fulfilled when FC Goa’s marquee player Robert Pires was brought down in the penalty box in the 58^th minute of play. The fans were delighted as Pires opened his account for FC Goa with a superb spot kick. Vasco SC played out their hearts and also got the fans cheering as the game came to a close.

Said Manager and Chief Coach Zico post the match, “We wanted to play at the same time as when the matches will be held to familiarize ourselves to the prevailing conditions on the field. Vasco Sports Club played well. We had a few opportunities but didn’t convert them. But the team is shaping up well with new additions like Ranti Martins and Narayan Das getting game time today.”

Added co owner Shrinivas Dempo, “FC Goa was very much in control of the game. The team looks fit and charged. We look set for the league”.

Ahead of ISL, which will begin on October 12, the franchise teams have been playing friendly matches with various football clubs. In its first friendly match played some days ago FC Goa triumphed over Sesa Football Academy by a margin of 3 goals (Score 3-0) and scored a win against the India national U-19 team with a score of 4-0.

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.

FC Goa will play their first ISL match against Chennaiyans FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, Margao on October 15, 2014.

The post FC Goa remains undefeated in pre-season friendly. Wins opposite Vasco Sports Club with a 1-0 margin appeared first on Football Counter.

FC Goa fans at Tilak Maidan for the first pre season game

FC Goa Manager and Chief Coach, Zico in a training session at Tilak Maidan

Rhys Mascarenhas, 28, found his love for football by accident. His uncle engaged in football and usually asked ten year old Rhys to accompany him to the games, often having to bribe him with an ice cream or Coca Cola. Today, Rhys is an ardent follower of the sport and is a partner in his own sports talent management agency.

This month, the footie fan from Vasco has been visiting Tilak Maidan, Vasco, everyday to watch FC Goa train. Speaking about the football franchise, FC Goa, he says, “This team looks very promising. There are a lot of youngsters playing in it and they are very dedicated to their game. Moreover they have Zico coaching them!”

“FC Goa has a fabulous line up,” opines Richard Dias, Business Partner, Radioactive Entertainment and an ardent football lover, “I’m an Arsenal fan so it’s exciting to see Robert Pires and Andre Santos been signed up for the team. I saw the friendly matches that FC Goa recently played against Sesa FA and the India U-19; it was a good game. With the team putting up a good game, it will only get stronger.”

Yolanda Souza, artist and a former international football player says, “FC Goa is a great initiative, we have really good backing in the name of Zico and this will help us move one step forward. Zico is magic, but for magic to work, all the players should put their best foot forward; it is only time that will tell what happens.”

Sharing his thoughts on the Indian Super League, Rhys Mascarenhas comments, “ISL has evoked an interest in a lot of people. Due to the influence of ISL, a lot of non-football lovers are also nurturing an interest in football. FC Goa, for instance has the star power of Zico and Robert Pires; the kind of buzz this has created among the public is evident in the reception they are getting. ISL will increase the followers of football, improve the infrastructure of the sport in India and sponsors will also come in as a result.”

Noel Rodrigues, 65, has been a frequent visitor to Tilak Maidan, Vasco and in more than half a century, the sexagenarian has watched hundreds of matches on the local, national and international level. “I have been watching matches on this ground since my childhood. Football has evolved a lot since then not just in terms of the infrastructure but also the professionalism. But, I had never imagined in my wildest dreams that someone like Zico or Robert Pires would come to Goa and train our local boys to play at this level of competition”, exclaimed Noel.

Shy and soft spoken, Danny Furtado, 21, makes sure that he finishes his work every day at The HQ Hotel, Vasco as soon as possible so that he and his companions can watch their football hero Robert Pires train at the ground. The boys had designed and printed a colourful banner displaying Pires and FC Goa and turned up at the Dabolim Airport to welcome their hero. “There was a lot of crowd so we couldn’t reach him,” says a starry-eyed Danny, “But we have been visiting the grounds everyday simply to watch him play and will get the banner signed by him soon.” he adds opening up the 5X6 banner that he was carrying along to get autographed.

Commenting on the contribution of ISL to Indian football, fans feel that there will be a lot of improvement in the quality of football in Goa which will assist in elevating the standard of the game. “We have a lot of big names in the team, so one can expect FC Goa to perform exceedingly well,” opines Noel Rodrigues. “The players have been implementing the skills taught to them by Zico; this was evident in the friendly’ game that FC Goa played opposite Sesa FA and the India U-19 squad.”

Rhys also points how the humility of the Brazilian football legend is helping boost the confidence of the players. “Coaches usually monitor the training sessions and make the assistant coach do all the running around. Unlike them, Zico himself is training the players, ably assisted by Arthur Papas. He is constantly guiding them and instructing them how to go about it. He’s very relaxed on the field and does not put any pressure on the players either. Also, training under the wing of Zico, players can probably aid in incorporate the Brazilian style of play.”

The post Goa’s footie fans root for FC Goa appeared first on Football Counter.

FC Goa marquee player Robert Pires along with the India Under 19 player before the kick off

In a fast paced first half FC Goa came out all guns blazing to take the lead via a Haroon Amiri goal in the 19th minute of play. FC Goa pushed on for a second but the India under 19 team held on and almost scored on the counter attack. With the first half coming to a close, Miguel Herlein scored a cracker of a shot from 20 yards to make it 2-0. The young boys from the India under 19 team came close on a number of occasions to get on the score sheet but Jan Seda held his line in goal.

In the second half FC Goa scored two quick goals to increase the lead. First Gabriel Fernandes scored to make it 3-0 and the next goal came from Holicharan Nazarath to take the lead at 4-0.

Said Manager and Chief Coach Zico post the match, “This level of performance was expected after the daily training and commitment that the team has been putting in everyday. The team now understands how I want them to play in terms of formation and performance. At the end of 90 minutes Im happy with how the team played.

Speaking on Pires he said, “ Pires’ presence on the field is important. He played well and assists the team. I’m satisfied with his performance and that of the team”.

Added co owner Mr. Dattaraj Salgaocar, “The team is shaping up well. They are gelling well and playing as a team. The players are committed and are playing with passion. This match has been a fast-paced entertaining match. I’m sure as the days go, they will gel and play together even better ”.

Ahead of ISL, which will begin on October 12, the franchise teams have been playing friendly matches with various football clubs. In its first friendly match played some days ago FC Goa triumphed over Sesa Football Academy by a margin of 3 goals (Score 3-0).

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.

FC Goa will play their first ISL match against Chennaiyans FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, Margao on October 15, 2014.

The post FC Goa adapts to Zico’s style appeared first on Football Counter.

Robert Pires at Press meet at the Palladium Hotel in Mumbai

Former French international and Arsenal midfielder Robert Pires has been signed as a marquee player by Hero Indian Super League (ISL) team FC Goa.

Pires (40) is a world-renowned footballer and his career is a glittering testimony to his on-field achievements be it for his club or country.

Pires was part of the French national squad which won the 1992 and 2000 FIFA World Cup and the UEFA Euro finals respectively. He also represented France in the 1996 Olympic Games.

Pires’s club career is a trail of glory too. As a player he peaked during his six-year stint at Arsenal from 2000-06, where he was part of the squad which won three FA cups and two Premier League titles. He was also a part of the Arsenal squad nicknamed ‘The Invincibles’ which remained unbeaten through the season of 2003-04.

Pires has also represented FC Metz, Marseille, Villareal, Aston Villa and has played over 500 games in his career spanning over two decades. In the 79 games he played as a French international, Pires scored 14 goals.

The post Former French international and Arsenal midfielder Robert Pires has been signed as a marquee player by Hero Indian Super League (ISL) team FC Goa appeared first on Football Counter.

Team FC Goa introduces its marquee coach Zico and marquee player Robert Pires

The Adidas team kit unveiled at the ceremony

Mumbai 23 September 2014: The good, healthy buzz about FC Goa just got even better.
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.

Virat Kohli-Co-owner of FC Goa, Varun Dhavan-FC Goa’s First Friend, Zico- Coach and Robert Pires Marquee Player

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 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.”

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 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, PronayHalder, Rowilson Rodrigues, Miguel Pereira Herlien, MiroslavSlepicka, 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.

Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/fcgoaofficial  
Twitter: @fcgoaofficial 

The post FC Goa announces Virat Kohli as its new co-owner and ambassador appeared first on Football Counter.