Antonio Habas and Zico are pitted against each other yet again in the Indian Super League. The experienced coaches have generated a very healthy rivalry between them over the years in the Indian football league, much like the one between Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola, as we remain a witness to, even today.
On Thursday, FC Pune City, coached by Habas, take on Zico's FC Goa for a battle to move up the table. The clash between these two revered coaches is definitely one to watch for, but the ironical part is that neither of their teams have been able to make a mark in ISL 2016.
While Zico's side are languishing at the bottom of the table after seven games and only one win earned, Habas' Pune City are second-bottom following six games and also just one win earned.
Interestingly, Zico's men have never been able to get past Habas' men in the Indian Super League history. When in charge of Atletico de Kolkata for the past two seasons, Habas' men won two games while the other two resulted in draws. Earlier this season, too, FC Pune City got their only win of the competition so far against FC Goa, in their first leg clash.
"First of all, I think we started building our team a bit late, almost at the deadline, after the other teams. Most of our players weren't physically well. But despite everything, we aren't being dominated. The results aren't coming but we are fighting and doing our best," Zico tried answering the important question as to why FC Goa are not being able to take off this season.
"We have taken time to adapt. You can see we are trying our best. But the results aren't coming for us. Some referee decisions have gone against us and that has caused us to be at the bottom of the table. But we are here, we are fighting. Let's go!
"But it is time that our players put their head down and showed even more dedication. We owe it to the colours that we wear and the people that are rooting for us. We have to come to this second phase with everything that we have and try and change our situation."
If Zico's team can finally register their first win against an ISL side coached by Habas, remains to be seen. One thing is for certain though that both teams will be keen on giving their best foot forward to manage a favourable result.
Schedule
FC Pune City vs FC Goa is scheduled to kick off at 7 pm IST (2.30 pm BST) on November 3.
Where to watch live
India: TV - Star Sports 1/HD, Star Sports 2/HD, Star Sports 3/HD.
Star Gold, Star Utsav (Hindi).
Jalsha Movies (Bengali).
Asianet Movies (Malayalam).
Asianet Suvarna Plus (Kannada).
Live streaming - Hotstar.
Live score - Twitter.
Europe: TV - Star Gold.
Australia, USA: TV - Fox Sports
Canada: TV - CBN, ATN Bangla
Bangladesh: TV - Channel 9
South-East Asia: TV - Eurosport
