‘We tried to neutralise Elano, Mendosa’: Zico
"We know their strengths and we have to be humble enough to recognise it. We tried to neutralise them and it worked," FC Goa coach Zico said after his team's 2-0 win over Chennayin FC.
Published : Nov 06, 2015 01:02 IST
FC Goa coach Zico was spot on in his tactic against Chennaiyin FC by playing a five-man defence to stop Elano Blumer and Stiven Mendoza. “We know we lost the last game 4-0. The four goals were scored by Elano and Mendoza. We know their strengths and we have to be humble enough to recognise it. We tried to neutralise them and it worked,” he said.
When the Brazilian legend was asked whether he was surprised by Marco Materazzi’s decision to play Fikru, he said: “The coach always has his options. Since we played with three defenders in the last match Materazzi must have thought that it would be better to start with Fikru.”
On the questionable refereeing decisions, the Goa FC coach said he will not talk about the refereeing decisions.
“I will not talk about refereeing decisions. I had told you in the press conference about that. If he makes a right or wrong decision, I am not going to do anything. I will ask my players to focus on the game and not worry about the decisions.”
At the press conference on Wednesday, the coach had said: “If I open my mouth on the issue, I will get letters from the Indian Super League.”
When asked about the rough tackle by Harmanjot Khabra on Leo Moura, the Brazilian said: “The tackle was very bad. He was badly injured and we don’t know he will be able to play the next game.”
But Chennaiyin FC coach praised the referee. “I think referee did a good job. He made some good decisions.”
When asked about Goa’s decision to play with five defenders, the Italian said: “We didn’t expect this. But we have to congratulate them. They took their chances.”
On the two penalties, the Italian said: “They were fair penalties. Our defence didn’t pay attention. Mendy didn’t see the striker coming. We will work on these areas and come back stronger.”
On Jayesh Rana’s injury: “The injury is a serious one. We don’t know when he will be back.”