Zico's Goa to do pre-season training in Rio

Panaji, Aug 25 (IANS) FC Goa on Thursday announced that they will assemble at chief coach Zico's football academy Zico 10 for pre-season training and conditioning ahead of the third edition of Hero Indian Super League (ISL) later this year.

Zico 10 is a brand, under which there are various academies and training centres across Brazil attached to the Brazil and Flamengo legend Zico who is the head coach of FC Goa for the third consecutive season.

FC Goa are scheduled to play pre-season friendlies with Brazilian clubs during the pre-season training in Rio.

Speaking of the ISL franchise's target for the coming season, Zico has predicted a better season in ISL 2016.

"We've made some good signings this year and we will continue to work on the squad while at the pre-season training in Rio, Brazil," Zico said.

"It's important for the team to come together to play and gel well and that's what we will do in Brazil. We are building a strong team and we are aiming for the title."

Local players Romeo and Mandar Rao Dessai are elated to be part of the squad's preparations in Rio de Janeiro.

"I'm looking forward to train in Brazil again, I will do my best in the training session to learn and better my skills under Zico, it will be a great opportunity to play against the Brazilian teams and learn from them," said Romeo, who has previously trained in Brazil with Atletico Paranaense.

FC Goa's new signing, local lad Pratesh Shirodkar, is visibly excited about the coming season.

"Brazil is a land of football and training in Rio is like going to the holy land of football. My expectation of training at Rio is to evolve into a more skilful player and better my techniques," he said.

The squad will train in Rio de Janeiro until mid-September 2016, post which the Zico-managed team will be back in Goa for the final phase of training in Goa before the season starts.

--IANS

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