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FC Goaa s marquee player and captain, Lucio, in the media interaction before their opening fixture against Delhi Dynamo, pointed that titles are won by a team. While manager Zico requested the fans to control their expectations for the season.
Lucio, a key member of the Brazil squad that won the 2002 FIFA World Cup, has won various trophies across the world and pointed that team spirit is the most crucial factor behind a team challenging for a title and whimpering out early.
a 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,a said FC Goa captain Lucio.
The Brazilian legend, Zico, continues as the manager for the Guars in the second season of the Hero Indian Super League and was quick to tone down some of the expectation and pressure that has built up since the second half of the previous season. Offseason signings like Lucio and others increased the pressure further and asked the fans to have a realistic expectation.
a Not just Goa, all other seven teams too want to win the title. This will be very competitive,a said Zico.
FC Goa under Zico has gone for a similar strategy that saw Atletico de Kolkata win the title the previous season. ATK had formed a squad around Spanish core so that there wasna t much trouble in communication. FC Goa this time around have done it with a Brazilian core. The likes of Leo Moura, Victor Simoes, Reinaldo and Jonatan Lucca all of whom have played for established clubs in the past. Goaa s fortunes, however, will depend on Jofre Mateu Gonzalez, the Spanish midfielder who was snapped up after being released from Atletico de Kolkata and is expected to have a key role.