Atletico de Kolkata lack respect as a franchise: Zico

Zico is upset with the ATK management

FC Goa Coach Zico has lambasted Atletico de Kolkata officials for not being able to organise a proper practice venue for the team, prior to their 4-0 loss on Sunday. He also stated that ATK lacked respect, especially in the way they treat visiting teams.

After a disappointing loss, Zico said, “When we host matches in Goa, we always make sure the visiting team gets a proper area to train, however, that doesn’t happen here. We make sure the guests get a better training facility than us. But here they don’t seem to follow that norm. We deserve some respect as Goa is also in the same league. Didn’t expect this kind of treatment.”

Last week, ATK officials took the decision of not conducting any practice sessions on the newly laid Salt Lake stadium pitch. Hence, ATK practiced on the Bidhannagar Municipality ground, whereas Goa had to practice on a muddy, ill-prepared Mohun Bagan field. Even on Saturday, Zico made his training ground worries public, stating that they weren’t provided good facilities to train.

However, ATK have refuted Zico’s claims. In a public statement, the franchise said, “Atletico de Kolkata respects the league's decision for requesting both teams Atletico de Kolkata and FC Goa not to practise at the Salt Lake Stadium today . FC Goa wanted to practise at the same time as Atletico de Kolkata at the Bidhannagar Municipal Ground and since their request came yesterday (Friday) night, Atletico de Kolkata immediately made arrangements for the away team to practise at the Mohan Bagan ground. And this has been accepted by FC Goa.”

Zico added, “We will not do the same to them as we are professionals. I am here to do my job.” Sunday’s pivotal clash against ATK, could’ve seen FC Goa extend their lead at the top. However, Zico’s men have not registered a win against ATK, in their last five attempts. ATK currently lead the ISL pack with 20 points, closely followed by Goa and Delhi, who have notched up 18 points.