FC Goa manager Zico’s side put in a spirited performance in their home opener against Chennaiyin FC, but fell short in a 2-1 defeat. Nevertheless, the legendary Brazilian was confident that his team can turn it around in their next game, an away fixture in Guwahati against NorthEast United FC. “Even though we lost the game, we played a very good match,” Zico said at the pre-match press conference ahead of the Sunday clash. Indeed, they had large spells of possession where they looked dominant, and created some good chances, but were unable to break down a resolute Chennaiyin defence. The Goa manager was asked whether he felt his forwards needed to do a better job of finishing off chances. However, he did not pull up any of his players, instead emphasising the collective nature of football. “Our team has to score, not just one player,” Zico asserted. “We are creating opportunities, we are getting close to the opponent's goal many times, and we hope that one time, the ball can go into the goal.”"All the teams are at a very high level."Zico, FC Goa coach Zico drew parallels between his side’s performance and that of his side’s upcoming opponents. NorthEast lost to Atlético de Kolkata 0-2 in their previous game, despite fashioning a number of chances to score. “In football, sometimes you play very well and lose. Kolkata had two opportunities and they won the game,” he said. The Brazilian has keenly observed the NorthEast side in preparation for this fixture, and knows that Goa have their task cut out for them if they are to get anything from the game. “We know that we are going to find a very tough opponent. In the two games they have played, they showed that.” NorthEast have received fantastic home support in both of their matches so far, and Zico was asked whether the atmosphere would make it harder for his side to defeat their hosts. But the veteran manager sidestepped any such questions. “I think all the games, whether home and away, are difficult. All the teams are at a very high level.” And he was quick to dispel any notion that his side would be happy with a point in a difficult away fixture. “We will try to win the game, always.” Zico confirmed that he has a full squad to choose from, including recent signing André Santos, although he was guarded about whether the Brazilian fullback would feature. However, he is likely to shuffle his pack, especially given the long journey from Goa to Guwahati which would have added to his players’ fatigue. “After a game, you need rest. But we’ve had a very tiring trip,” Zico explained. But he promised that his team’s enthusiasm would not be dimmed. “Our team is prepared to run for the entire 90 minutes.”
