‘Tough act to follow Zico and Matterazi’

Guimareas plays down the loss of Chhetri and Forlan

Men that matter: Mumbai City FC coach Alexandre Guimaraes, Bengaluru FC’s Albert Roca, FC Goa’s Sergio Lobera, Chennaiyin’s John Gregory, Pune City’s Ranko Popovic and Kerala Blasters assistant coach Thangboi Singto at the ISL media day on Friday.

The new head coaches of the Indian Super League teams, FC Goa and Chennaiyin FC, on Friday expressed hope that they would be able to replicate the achievements of the two World Cup-winning football legends-turned coaches Zico and Marco Matterazi.

“Substituting a legend like Zico as coach is a pleasure for me. Everyone knows his skills as a player and coach,” said FC Goa’s head coach Sergio Lobera of Spain.

“We have put together a team from scratch. I will introduce my philosophy. Winning is important, but so is the need to focus on style. We will play the short passing game,” said Lobera.

Goa had finished runner-up to Chennaiyin FC in Season 2 that had eight teams. This season two more teams have been added — Bengaluru FC and Jamshedpur FC. “A lot is expected of us, champion in year two and semifinalist in the first. Marco Matterazi is a tough act to follow, he’s left a big legacy,” said Gregory.

“This year we don’t have a marquee player but I still expect a successful season.

“The least we should be looking for is a play-off position,” he added.