ISTANBUL - Fenerbahce coach Zico has called for an end to restrictions on the number of foreign players at Turkish clubs after Chelsea knocked his side out of the Champions League.
ISTANBUL - Fenerbahce coach Zico has called for an end to restrictions on the number of foreign players at Turkish clubs after Chelsea knocked his side out of the Champions League.
The Istanbul club lost the quarterfinal 3-2 on aggregate after Tuesday's 2-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge.
"I believe that if we can invest just a bit more and if our players can be strengthened and given more experience, we can become one of the major teams in Europe," Zico said.
He said the team was affected by the absence of veteran Brazilian defender Roberto Carlos, who is still recovering from an injury sustained in the first leg of their last 16 tie with Sevilla.
"Another factor is the limit on the number of foreign players that we can field. When you look at our opponents they have many more alternatives in who they can play," Zico added.
"Not so much in defence, but we could want more of a contribution in the areas of midfield and in attack. I hope that the [Turkish Football] Federation will give this the proper consideration. The limits should be abolished.
In Turkey, six foreigners can be fielded at anyone one time, plus clubs can have another two foreigners on the bench. - Reuters
Fenerbahce feel too restricted
ISTANBUL - Fenerbahce coach Zico has called for an end to restrictions on the number of foreign players at Turkish clubs after Chelsea knocked his side out of the Champions League.
ISTANBUL - Fenerbahce coach Zico has called for an end to restrictions on the number of foreign players at Turkish clubs after Chelsea knocked his side out of the Champions League.
The Istanbul club lost the quarterfinal 3-2 on aggregate after Tuesday's 2-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge.
"I believe that if we can invest just a bit more and if our players can be strengthened and given more experience, we can become one of the major teams in Europe," Zico said.
He said the team was affected by the absence of veteran Brazilian defender Roberto Carlos, who is still recovering from an injury sustained in the first leg of their last 16 tie with Sevilla.
"Another factor is the limit on the number of foreign players that we can field. When you look at our opponents they have many more alternatives in who they can play," Zico added.
"Not so much in defence, but we could want more of a contribution in the areas of midfield and in attack. I hope that the [Turkish Football] Federation will give this the proper consideration. The limits should be abolished.
In Turkey, six foreigners can be fielded at anyone one time, plus clubs can have another two foreigners on the bench. - Reuters