FC Goa set to sound bugle for ISL 2 today

FC Goa have as many as seven Brazilians in their squad for the second edition of the Indian Super League (ISL).

Having got the players of his choice this time around and with majority being Brazilians, FC Goa chief coach Zico must have now set his sights on the prestigious ISL crown, while as the kick off time is getting closer, with only 10 days left, the football insane Goans can not wait anymore to watch the samba grove on the stadiums.[NT].

Lucio in action during a friendly game against England in 2009.

The Ethiopian striker scored the first-ever goal in the competition’s history and his club even won the inaugural title.

You missed the final previous year with a hamstring injury.

“But I can say that more and more players in England and Europe are wanting to come and play in ISL”.

FC Goa players, who arrived at Dabolim airport on late Tuesday evening after finishing their two week’s pre-season tour of Dubai, were accorded a warm reception by their hundreds of fans as they welcomed them amidst flashlights and “Forca Goa” chants.

For me it was very significant to play and train with Indian players. “We face Chennaiyin FC in the first match and we don’t feel any pressure, we will be going for all three points”, Atletico coach Antonio Lopez Habas told media persons here on Saturday.

The Dynamos is spearheaded by marquee player-manager Brazilian Roberto Carlos and they feature a host of ex-international players like Florent Malouda, John Arne Riise, Gustavo dos Santos, Hans Mulder, Adil Nabi and Toni Doblas along with top Indian players like Robin Singh, Sehnaj Singh and Francis Fernandes.

“I am basically a defender and I would be happy to score if I get an opportunity”. “The first season was a success but it is too early to compare ISL with top leagues in the world”. It will have to be of similar duration as in other leagues in other countries.

“Last year I did not know the players, the foreigners and the technical staff. This year we will be better because I got to choose the Indian players and the foreigners also”, the 62-year-old remarked.

The only team which stayed back in India for practicing was Kerala Blasters FC and coach Peter Taylor said it was done to help the foreign recruits acclimatise to the weather.