We are going to do everything possible to be in the top four: Fernando Vannucci

The FC Goa assistant coach once again highlighted the refereeing decisions that he felt had gone against his team…

Brazilian legend Zico will face Portuguese coach Nelo Vingada when FC Goa host NorthEast United FC at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Goa on Friday. In the absence of head coach Zico, assistant coach Fernando Vannucci addressed the media at the pre-match press conference. “We are just focusing on the game. We always want to play football but there are some decisions coming in the way which we never expected,” said assistant coach Vannucci. Though FC Goa are at the bottom of the table after playing nine matches, they have not given up on hopes of qualifying for the playoffs. “Football provides with the inspiration. In football we see everything. In the first season, we were at the bottom of the table but we won six games and qualified with one round to spare. I am not saying that surely we will do it again but we will do everything to make it happen. It still depends entirely on us,” said Vannucci. Vannucci believes that the team’s philosophy has always been attacking but the change in players every year makes them think of new tactics. When asked about how his team will perform against NorthEast without some key players, who are missing due to injuries and suspensions he said, “We have so many injuries in the team and some are suspended but still we will do our best against NorthEast.” He further added, “No matter who plays in place of the suspended players, they will give their 100% and coach Zico will put out the best XI.” In the last match against Kerala Blasters Coach Zico fielded six Indian players and five foreigners. The assistant coach Vannucci is in favour of having more Indian players in the starting XI. He thinks it will be beneficial for Indian football if every coach thinks like Zico. Photo © ISL Media