‘Basics must be learnt at age of 16’
Brazilian stalwart Zico has stated that while Indian football holds tremendous potential, progress cannot be made without an efficient system that can groom young talent in the country.
Zico, who is the coach of Indian Super League (ISL) franchisee FC Goa, shared his views at Fatorda (Goa) recently. “I have followed Indian football for a long time. The passion and love for the sport has always been present here.
“However, the Indian team lost to Palestine recently. The biggest obstacle that you have here is at the grass-root level. Great players are created at the under-15 and under-19 level — this is age where they can learn the nuances of the sport.
“In India, footballers often begin to learn these aspects after they become professionals.
“I have taught a few of the players here the correct way to take a shot on goal, the positioning of the feet etc. Some of these guys are 30 years old.
“The basics of football must be learnt at the age of 16. The passion for football in India must be matched by early development, if you want to match the standards of the Africans and Europeans,” he said.
Asked what he hoped to pass on to his players at Goa, Zico replied: “I have told the boys to look at (marquee player) Robert Pires, and follow the way that he behaves and plays on the field.
“If I can pass on something from my playing career, it would be to cultivate a burning desire to win. When they enter the field, they must be ready to give their blood and soul.
“It is fine to lose a match if you do not play good football. I can understand that. But I will not accept less than 100 per cent effort on the pitch.”
The 61-year-old, who has none other than all-time great Pele as one of his many admirers, dismissed any talk of him taking up the role of the national coach, a post left vacant after Wim Koevermans stepped down recently. “No chance. I am here only to coach FC Goa,” Zico said.
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