Zico (L) and Narayan Das after their side's 3-1 win over ChennaiyinBuoyant after a 3-1 victory over the league leaders Chennayin FC, the resurgent FC Goa’s coach Zico saw his team become the second to qualify for the semifinals. The legendary Brazilian was delighted with the result.“It is a feeling of a mission accomplished. The players played really hard,” said Zico. “Very few people expected us to qualify after the slow start we had, but between the players and me we always believed that we can qualify and the players worked really hard, trying to constantly improve their game. The proof of the weeks of hard work is the position that we are in. We won here by merit,” said a passionate Zico reflecting on his side’s stupendous performance.Speaking more generally, Zico was of the firm belief that “the Indian players have benefited by playing under my tutelage,” according to the man himself. “They have become better. I try to pass on the tricks that I know to players like Narayan, and they definitely have become better over the weeks, technically, passing the ball”.The Brazilian also faced the inevitable question regarding marquee player Robert Pirès. Zico responded to questions whether the fans demand of playing Pires in his 11 had any pressure on his selection. “I don’t pick my team based on the pressure, I pick them based on what they have done in their training, just because a section of fans want a player in the team, I don’t think I would bow down to such pressure.”Despite the victory, the gaffer felt that “one area where we must learn to improve is not to make mistakes and we must not allow our concentration to drift. This will be a key area as we cannot afford to concede goals like what we did today. The margins in the semi-finals are very thin and we have to be very careful,” remarked Zico.Sitting alongside him was young defender Narayan Das, who had yet another impressive performance. “Playing under a coach like Zico over the last few weeks has definitely improved my game,” expressed Das, who was named the ISL Emerging Player of the Match. “It feels good winning the award, which I dedicate to the team and the coach who has given me this opportunity.” He added further, “We are extremely happy to be in the semi-finals of the ISL and we will take the game one match at a time. The team is really confident and we have momentum to carry us forward.”
