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Indian Super League - Roberto Carlos: 'Indian players coached by me will benefit the national team'

The 2002 World Cup winning Brazilian marquee player-manager for the ISL's Delhi franchise opined he would train players to the best of his abilities..

Roberto Carlos' aura exudes the confidence he cherished as a player and this is one vital chracteristic he'll seek to highlight during his tenure as coach of the Delhi Dynamos in the second edition of the Indian Super League (ISL). The former Real Madrid and Brazil legend has revealed he hopes to make the Delhi Dynamos champions come the new season in the ISL, whilst opining he seeks to better the Indian players for the national team, through his pedagogy. 

"I was impressed with the offer made by the Delhi Dynamos. I rejected a few others (offers) to join them," revealed the 42 year-old, in a chat to the Star Sports programme Let's Football, when questioned on his decsioin to join the team from the Capital of India. 

The 125-time capped former Brazilian international is no stranger to success. Having spent the succint portion of his career at the Los Blancos of Spain, Carlos has registered close to 24 trophies, including the World Cup, in a glistening career that spread to Turkey too, with Fenerbahce, whilst managing to win the coveted Defender of The Year award twice.  

Quizzed on the ISL's aims and accomplishment, the seasoned defender, now a marquee player for his franchise as well, elucidated, "Season one of the ISL was a grand success. I have come this time to make Delhi (Dynamos) the champions this time. I'd like to congratulate the organizers too for the event."

Asked about the characteristics in the team he elevates to top priotity, multi-time Champions League winner revealed, "I want the team to be a professional one that goes out to win."

The imptus of the ISL is to create a suitable environment for Indian football to grow whilst allowing the players to receive the best coaching possible in fulfillment of IMG-Reliances' aims. Carlos believes, under his tutelage, the Indian players will prosper for the national team.  

"I think the ISL will help Indian football. The Indian players will benefit from my coaching. They will be better players when they play for the Indian national team," expressed the player-manager. 

It's no secret the Brazilian's free-kick technique is much cherished by players around the world, who aim to mimic his audacious goals and attempts from a dead-ball. Quizzed on the most important ingredient to his free-kicks were, the icon replied, "The secret to my freekick is to practice everyday. If you practice with full concentration, you'll be able to achieve it." 

His homily to the Indian football fraternity ahead of the ISL was simple as he concluded, "We are a family and we play to win." 

The Delhi Dynamos start their second ISL campaign at the cauldron of FC Goa, the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Sunday 4th October, 2015. 

Indian Super League: Zico - Brazilians not in FC Goa because they are Brazilians

The Flamengo legend believes that he wanted three more players from last season to be a part of FC Goa this term…

FC Goa have as many as seven Brazilians in their squad for the second edition of the Indian Super League (ISL).

They have Elinton Andrade between the sticks followed by marquee signing Lucio and Luciano Sabrosa as centre-backs. In midfield, they have the likes of Leo Moura, Jonatan Lucca alongside Victor Simoes and Reinaldo in attack.

Coach Zico reasoned that the Brazilian players have made the cut on account of their ability and not because they hail from his country.

“The Brazilian players are not in the team only because they are Brazilians. They are all good players,” Zico explained.

From last season only Gregory Arnolin has been retained amongst the foreign signings and Zico opines that a lot of it was down to some of the other players being already on a contract.

FC Goa wanted the likes of Zohib Amiri, who suffered an injury during his stint with Dempo SC last season while Bruno Pinheiro and Jan Seda, who are on a long term contract with other clubs.

“There is very little we could do about players who were already contracted with other clubs. I wanted many of my foreign players to return but we could not get their services,” said Zico.

FC Goa kickstart their campaign on home soil when they face Delhi Dynamos on October 4, 2015.

Indian Super League - Atletico de Kolkata confirm Pele 

presence in the city during champions' opening ISL 

home iFfixture

The ISL co-owners revealed ticket prices would be slashed for the fans, aim to retain trophy, whilst revealing Pele plans...

If the hype around the Indian Super League's (ISL) second season hadn't raised itself to decibel shattering levels, then the owners of defending champions Atletico de Kolkata ensured it would now by revealing yesterday, 25th September, in the West Bengal capital, that Brazilian icon Pele would grace the pitch during the Red and White's opening home game. 

Co-owner Sanjiv Goenka, chairman of the RPG group, stressed on ‘added responsibility’ as title-holders and he also showed off their marquee player this year Helder Postiga, who is the youngest marquee among all the other franchises.

“Atletico merchandise will be available soon and with positive support last season, we have slashed ticket prices to a minimum of hundred rupees and managed to garner in more sponsors”, claimed Goenka.

Utsav Parekh, the franchise's co-owner, also clarified Sourav Ganguly would be involved in the same capacity and vigour, with the champions, as he had been in the opening edition, elucidating,“He is an integral part of this consortium and will be present throughout the whole campaign.”

The ISL teams having incurred no profits last season, Goenka stated that, “We are here for the long run, we knew that we would not reach the break-even point so soon, maybe in 4-5 years.”

It was confirmed by the owners that Pele would indeed attend the first home match of ATK at the Salt Lake Stadium on 13th October, 2015, and stay in the city for two days during which he would address the media and interact with fans. A private dinner for the record goal-scoring Samba star, which would encompass invitees from the All India Football Federation (AIFF) as well as Football Sports Development (FSD) officials was confirmed by co-owner Harsh Neotia, as well.

Newly appointed Sports Director Alberto Marrero punched in with his comments as well, explaining, “Winning is important but it is not only about winning, team building is important as well.”