Brazilian Legend Zico returns as FC Goa’s coach for Season 2 of ISL
Goa, 7 July 2015: FC Goa today officially welcomed back Brazilian legend and FC Goa marquee coach and manager Zico for season 2 of the ISL. FC Goa which triggered a whirlwind of interest in the opening season of the ISL when it signed on a genuine Brazilian legend and three-time World Cupper Arthur Antunes Coimbra fondly known as Zico as its marquee coach, has today announced his return for one more year.
In addition to assessing the team's preparedness for the forthcoming season, Zico will also be present for the Indian Super League’s first ever Domestic Auction scheduled to be held in Mumbai on 10th July 2015.
Addressing a press conference, Zico: Manager and Chief Coach, FC Goa said, “It feels fantastic to be back in Goa for ISL’s second season. We performed well as a team in the first season of the ISL and I look forward to an even better season this year. I look forward to training with the boys soon.”
Speaking on Zico’s return Mr. Dattaraj V. Salgaocar Managing Director of V M Salgaocar Group said, “On behalf of the team at FC Goa and the people of Goa, I extend a warm welcome to Zico on his return to Goa for the second season of the ISL. With Zico back at the helm, I am certain we will have a seamless strategy to create a unified team who will play their best game and play to win. We are deeply honoured and privileged to have him back. Forca Goa!”
Added Mr. Shrinivas Dempo Chairman and Managing Director of Dempo Group of Companies, “The arrival and support of Zico, a global football icon and legend on the Indian footballing turf last season, marked the beginning of a glittering era for the beautiful game of football in India. With him as our coach, we have had an impressive first season. He is best qualified to lend direction to the FC Goa squad and we look forward to an even better season. We are extremely happy that Zico has returned.”
FC Goa’s team composition includes marquee player Lucimar Ferreira da Silva popularly known as Lucio.The Brazilian former world cupper player in the 2002, 2006 and 2010 World Cup. Lucio has previously player for a number of clubs including Juventus, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan.
Players retained in the team include:
Domestic: Romeo Fernandes, Mandar Rao Desai, Laxmikant Kattimani, Narayan Das, Debabrata Roy, Bikramjit Singh
International: Gregory Arnolin (FRA)
Players from the open market include:
Domestic: Pronay Halder, C S Sabeeth, Denson Devadas, Joaquim Abranches, Raju Gaikwad
International: Jofre Mateu González (ESP), Lucio (BRA), Elinton Andrade (BRA), Reinaldo Da Cruz Oliveira (BRA), Victor Simões de Oliveira (BRA)
The second season of the Indian Super League (ISL) will see FC Goa play its opening match on its home turf on 4th October with the Delhi Dynamos.