FC Goa's coach Zico says both teams deserve to be in this position
Atletico de Kolkata hosted FC Goa in both sides’ last match of the group stages of the Indian Super League.
ATK needed to avoid a defeat by two goals or more to qualify for the semi-finals. They held Goa to a 1-1 draw at home.
In the match, Goa took the lead through a wonder strike by Edgar Marcelino.
Later, Bruno Pinheiro got sent off for bringing down Fikru Teferra and the Kolkata striker calmly converted the ensuing penalty to bring the home side level.
FC Goa’s coach, Zico was not too pleased with the red card and he made it clear in the post match press conference.
Here is his and Jewel Shaikh Raja’s post-match press conference in full:
Q. What are your thoughts on commentry?
A. Zico: I didn’t see so I can’t say. The referee is there to do the necessary. It’s up to them. The red card was given to Bruno after the Kolkata team went and told the referee. We want to go according to the rules. If you want to go according to the rules completely then you have to mark everything.
Q. Bruno was playing very well. Now that you are in the semi finals, how crucial is that blow?
A. Zico: It is part of the game. We have to expect everything.
Q. Even in the first leg the Kolkata-Goa match made headlines. This match ended in a draw. Additionally, next two matches are also against each other. Is that an advantage or not?
A. Zico: There is no advantage or disadvantage. I think both the teams deserve to be in this position.
Q. Are you happy with the result today as compared to the last match?
A. Zico: It was a very balanced game. Of course Kolkata wanted a better result more than us. Also the turf is not very suitable. We have not practiced on a pitch like this. So it is very bad that we had to play an important match on a pitch like this.
Q. Are you disappointed that you didn’t get a first place in the points table and also are you happy that you will be playing again against Kolkata?
A. Zico: No I am not disappointed. We have qualified for the semi finals that is more important. I hope to get the first place in the finals. I am. The only thing I am unhappy is that we have to play on the artificial turf.
Q. Your team put an amazing performance. How satisfying is that?
A. Zico: I am very happy they played beautifully. I have been saying since the beginning that we have 27 players and not 11.
Q. Is it strange not seeing Garcia in the first eleven?
A. Zico: I am sorry I don’t want to say anything about the opponent team.
Q. This match was very critical for ATK to reach the semi finals, and you are from Kolkata. Did this fact play on your mind?
A. Jewel: I was playing for my team and wanted my team to go ahead and get a good position.
Q. What are your comments on the penalty?
A. Jewel: Since I was in the game, I did not see what happened, but had not expected the red card at this stage.
Q. Considering the last game, with ATK was a very high tension one, on field and off field, today the game played was quite level, in spite of being in pressure. Getting ATK for semi finals after this. Do you see that as an advantage or disadvantage?
A. Jewel: Any team that plays against us must be faced by us. We lost in the first game with ATK, second was a draw. Next match we will definitely try to win.