Not being part of selection process not a problem: Zico

Not being part of team selection is not a problem at all, Brazilian legend and newly-appointed coach of the Indian Super League (ISL) franchise FC Goa Zico said Tuesday, claiming his job was to train the players.

Zico was speaking during an interaction with the media Tuesday, his first formal briefing after he was signed up by FC Goa.

Asked if it was a handicap to train a football team, which he has not helped pick, Zico said: "I do not see any problem. Players belong to the club and not the trainer. It's up to the board of directors to select the players, my job is to train them".

He illustrated his point by mentioning his coaching brief of the Iraqi national team in 2011.

"When I went to Iraq, the selection was already done and I had just five days," he said.

Zico contextualized his argument further using Brazilian footballing culture as a point of reference.

"If we lose four matches in Brazil, the coach is sent home. In England, coaches are there for 12-17 years. This is a problem of cultures of different countries," Zico said.

"When I meet players on Thursday my job is to make them better players, so they do well. That is my job," Zico further said.

The Brazilian football legend also brought in an element of humour while underlining the importance of training in a sport like football.

"It's very easy to get players. Mr. Dempo can sign (Lionel) Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo tomorrow. It's up to him what players to bring," Zico said. Messi, who plays for Barcelona and Ronaldo, a striker for Real Madrid, both play in the elite Spanish league and are regarded as the best players in the world.