Mumbai, Sep 26 (IANS) Former Brazil defender and FC Goa marquee player Lucio said on Saturday that Indian players must aim to fully utilise their talent in order to achieve better on-field results.
“I have got a very good impression on the Indian players. They are hard working and talented. They need to transfer their talent into on-field results,” Lucio told reporters here.
“What you do on the field matters more than anything else. Training just sharpens you up but what matters is performance on field,” he said.
After playing for top clubs like Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, Juventus and Bayer Leverkusen, the 37-year-old said FC Goa coach and Brazil legend Zico was one of the primary reasons behind his decision to feature in the Indian Super League (ISL).
“Zico is a tough coach. Various coaches and trainers have different tactics. He was one of the primary reasons I am here. Zico is tough mentally and has a tough attitude. He is very well in helping the players focus on the task at hand,” he said.
“I am basically a defender and I would be happy to score if I get an opportunity. I hope we as a unit will give our 100 percent and win the league,” he said.
Zico meanwhile, believes that the ISL has had a good start in the inaugural season last year and needs to keep performing the same way if they are to challenge the other top leagues in the world.
“The ISL is contributing hugely to Indian football. It will take time for the league to reach that top level. But the way the league has started and going on, if it carries on like this I hope a time will come when ISL will be able to challenge other leagues in the world,” Zico said.
Speaking about the club’s preparations he said,”All the players are in good shape and performing well in the training. I hope they carry on doing the same thing when they will take the field in the matches ahead.”