Zico is Inspiring and ISL Gives Hope: Armando Colaco

One of Indian football's well-known coaches, Armando Colaco says he has "learnt many things" by watching the legendary Zico's training sessions with players of Indian Super League franchise FC Goa.

Sharing his thoughts on the Brazilian great, Colaco, who presently coaches East Bengal, said, "One can see a lot of eagerness and excitement in the way Zico trains and monitors the practice sessions. He does not put pressure on anybody, he makes the training sessions enjoyable.

"He has been all over the world and is now here to train FC Goa, so there is eagerness in the players in wanting to learn from him. Even I have learned many things only by watching him."

FC Goa is one of the eight teams competing in the inaugural ISL.

The team had signed exciting players such as Arsenal stars Robert Pires and Andre Santos and I-league winner Ranti Martins.

"When foreign players come and play with our local players, there is a tendency for improvement. We have to be patient and hope that everything works out well. I'm sure that there will be positive changes in football in near future."

Speaking about Pires, the Goan said, "Pires' humility is very inspiring. He does not travel in a trailer nor does he have a special arrangement for himself. In the match against Sesa FA, when Romeo Fernandes crossed, he said 'well done' and hugged him. So, that means that he wants to see Indian players come up. He's a legend and has won the World Cup for France and represented Arsenal, yet he's still the same old player."

Colaco, who is on holiday in Goa, is highly optimistic about the ISL initiative.

"ISL may prove to be that stepping stone for football to go ahead. In order to reach somewhere, you need to start somewhere. I am sure that there will be positive changes."

About the East Bengal team, Colaco said it is good and with a couple of new foreigners signing, the club has a good chance to win the I-League title.