Wednesday, 5th November, 2014
FC Goa manager Zico has voiced his displeasure with the artificial turf on offer for Atletico de Kolkata at the Salt Lake Stadium.
As the Brazilian legend's team prepare to take on Kerala Blasters at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi tomorrow, Zico took time to talk about the stadiums on offer in India, insisting that most of them have been good to play at.
However, singling out the Salt Lake Stadium, the 61-year-old added that it is not a proper ground to play football.
Zico further voiced his displeasure by stating that it is not at all fair because Atletico de Kolkata are the only team to get the opportunity of practicing and playing there.
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And therefore he regrets the fact that the Indian Super League authorities have decided to overlook the matter altogether.
"Most of the grounds we have played at have been good and from what I have seen on television too they all look good", Zico said at a press conference.
"My only regret is that the most famous city for football, Kolkata, has artificial turf.
"Even if it is allowed by FIFA, it is not a proper ground to play football. And it is not good for all the teams because they do not have the opportunity to practice on this ground. Only Kolkata is playing there.
"And everyone knows it is very difficult to play on an artificial turf compared to a real grass turf.
"I regret that the ISL has not seen this before."
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