Former Udinese star Zico discussed former Inter striker Gabriel ‘Gabigol’ Barbosa and time in Italy in an interview in today’s paper edition of the Milano based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport.
First, Zico discussed his favourite coaches in modern football.
“Guardiola and Klopp, but also Mourinho, Sarri, Simeone. There are many strong ones in Europe. Then you have to see what kind of players they have, what quality they have.”
He then spoke about which team he thinks will win this season’s Champions League.
“A month ago, I would have said Liverpool. But they dropped out suddenly and were eliminated. And now Atletico is a candidate, when you beat the favourites, and reigning champions, you can go all the way, you gain strength and awareness. Then I think the City and Guardiola are number one.”
Zico also revealed which Italian team he thought were likeliest to go the furthest in the tournament.
“I say Atalanta, who are expressing a beautiful game, a very strong collective. I can see them in the finals. Yes, because beating them at home in Bergamo is very difficult and City have noticed it.”
The 67-year-old Brazilian revealed that he still follows the Italian topflight.
“Sure. It’s had a bit of difficulty in recent years expressing talent, especially in attack, but it’s always Italy. It’s improving, it’s lost the big names, which ended up in England, Spain and even Germany. So young people don’t learn, they don’t have examples. When we were there, me, Platini, Maradona, Del Piero, Baggio or Totti grew up.”
The former Udinese and Brazil star spoke about Brazilian side Flamengo and their Copa Libertadores victory.
“And they also play good football, offensive, Gabigol is in a fairy tale moment. The club suffered from 2012 to 2017, but have been able to create a nice structure, today they have a European big standard. So, it was easier to strengthen with people with European experience like Rafinha, Diego Alves, Filipe Luis, Gerson. Then the Portuguese technician Jesus gave another philosophy, and with the ‘Europeans’ it was easier to explain his mentality. They have men on the field in the right places, the squad is a spectacle, it will be difficult to beat them.”
Finally, Zico spoke about Gabigol and how he struggled in Italy with the Nerazzurri.
“Yes, we were more mature before. It’s hard to play in Italy for the strikers. And if a club calls you when you’re young, they must know you well. Inter didn’t give themselves time to understand Gabriel, what kind of game they prefer, how to use him better. Besides, Ronaldo the Phenomenon, striker at 18, there’s one and only one!”
Gabigol joined Inter in 2016 after signing for around €29.5 million from Brazilian side Santos. He struggled in Italy, only netting once in ten appearances across all competitions. After that season, he was sent on loan to Benfica but again struggled, before returning to Brazil. There he would score 34 goals and provide 11 assists in 41 appearances for Flamengo, leading them to a league title and Copa Libertadores.
