FC Goa may be at the top of table, but no team at this juncture in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2015 would want to take a breather. With the league acquiring an unpredictable nature, head coach Zico wouldn’t want to leave any stone unturned in picking up a victory against Mumbai City FC at home – his stronghold.While answering the media questions at the pre-match press conference, the former Brazil international addressed an important concern about goal difference holding weight. “We can see that all the teams are balanced and we have to stay focused and win points. Of course, goal difference can be a factor for the tie-breaker. I’ve been saying it since the beginning. It’s a very short tournament. Goal Difference can be a very crucial thing. When we lose many goals or we are scored against, it can be very dangerous. Because of that, I tell my players to try and qualify by points, so that we cannot be dependent on goal difference.”On having found the right kind of formation, Zico spoke about his three-man defense setup. “It is doing okay now, it is working nicely for us. Our team found some equilibrium there, some balance and security for the players. It depends on the situation. If it’s doing right, we will keep going this way.”Sunil Chhetri would be part of the Mumbai City squad for the game. Would that have an effect on the FC Goa strategy at Fatorda? “We always play with the best we have,” commented the former Flamengo midfielder. “What happened in the last game is the past. We’ll play with the best we have and go for victory. We have to go on the pitch and give in our 100% and be focused on the pitch for all the 90-100 minutes of the game. So we cannot get distracted thinking we’re playing at home and it will be easy. There is no easy game.”The Brazilian legend praised his striker Thongkhosiem Haokip’s ability to outshine and make room for himself on the first team. “What we need is creativity and we need to use the full strength that we have and we’re doing it. One thing we have to put in the minds of the players is that everyone has to be prepared to play in any situation. And one good example is Haokip. He is very young and no one expected him to be playing in the starting 11. And he’s playing good games and I’m pleased with him.”
