Coach Zico upbeat about FC Goa's chances in ISL

FC Goa coach Zico predicted a bright performance from his team in the second edition of the Indian Super League (ISL) that will be instrumental in last year's semi-finalists push for a final berth in the upcoming football tournament.

Goa reached the semi-finals last year only to lose to eventual winners Atletico de Kolkata.

Goa are currently training here, where they will practice until September 20.

"The target is not like last year," the Brazilian said in a release on Thursday.

"We want to get better. Last year I did not know the players, the foreigners and the technical staff. In the beginning it was difficult. This year we will be better because I got to choose the Indian players and the foreigners also."

FC Goa are training at the Spanish Soccer Schools (SSS) grounds in the Dubai Sports City (DSC) here.

They will play five pre-season friendlies against clubs Al Khaleej, Al Shabab, Ajman, Al Jazeera and Al Hatta.

The team's marquee player, former star Brazilian defender Lucio, also sounded upbeat ahead of the tournament.

"I'm very happy to be here. It's a new challenge to work with Zico. The training is going perfect. The climate in Goa will be like Brazil. We will be ready for the challenge," he said.

"Zico called me and I'm very happy to work with him and the guys from Brazil" he added.

The team will be back in Goa for the final phase of training in Vasco. They will face Delhi Dynamos FC in a home game on October 4 in Margao.