ISL: Zico is like a father to me, says Roberto Carlos

Roberto Carlos is preparing for an emotional introduction to the Indian Super League (ISL), as his Delhi Dynamos prepare for a tough clash against hosts FC Goa at Nehru Stadium on Sunday.

Carlos, a World Cup winner with Brazil in 2002, is the marquee manager-cum-player for Delhi Dynamos and says it will be a special feeling to step out for the ISL opener.

“FC Goa is coached by Zico, who was not just my coach at Fenerbahche in Turkey but also a father-figure to me. This match is not just a clash between a student and teacher, like Zico said, but also a father and son,” Carlos told reporters during the pre-match briefing on Sunday.

Carlos will also be up against FC Goa marquee player Lucio, who partnered him in defence and won the 2002 World Cup.

“We know FC Goa will be very tough. This will be a clash of two teams who are equally determined to win the ISL title. I can promise everyone that this will be an entertaining match,” said Carlos.

Delhi Dynamos have a star-studded team with players like UEFA Champions League winners John Arne Riise and Florent Malouda, besides a host of other foreign players with a proven track record. Carlos is also registered as player and said he was ready to play.

Coached by Brazilian great Zico and led by former Brazil captain Lucio, FC Goa is among the strong teams in the competition. Zico warned that expectations in Goa were sky-rocketing and asked fans to have a realistic look at the tournament.

“Not just Goa, all other seven teams too want to win the title. This will be very competitive,” said Zico.

Zico has a squad that is full of Brazilian players. There are seven Brazilians in the squad and many of them like Leo Moura, Victor Simoes, Reinaldo and Jonatan Lucca have played for established clubs in the past.

Goa’s fortunes, however, will revolve around Jofre Mateu Gonzalez, the Spanish midfielder who won the inaugural ISL title with Atletico de Kolkata and now has a key role to play.

“You cannot look at any individual in the team and expect him to win the championship. Individuals can win you matches but the championship can only be won by a team,” said FC Goa captain Lucio.