Source: Team_Talk
Zico tips Villa for Champions League
Zico will take charge of CSKA for the first time in the UEFA Cup first-round clash at Villa Park with the Russian club already assured of their place in the Champions League for the 2009-2010 campaign.[LNB]But he believes Villa will follow the same path if they continue the form which has seen them climb into third spot in the Premier League.[LNB]The former World Cup star said: "If Aston Villa keep playing the type of football they are producing at the moment, they have every chance of participating in the Champions League next season.[LNB]"The team is a great team containing great players of very high quality. It is performing now at its best. If it keeps playing like this, it has every chance to keep growing and easily it will join the Champions League for next season."[LNB]Zico has been particularly impressed by the contributions of winger Ashley Young and midfielder Gareth Barry but knows CSKA will have to be on their guard in all areas.[LNB]"Aston Villa are in third place not just because of the contribution of one or two players. It is because the whole team is very strong and we must take care of every player.[LNB]"Ashley Young is a really great player and, if you give him a lot of freedom, then he is going to cause a lot of problems to our team.[LNB]"Gareth Barry is also very important as well. He is very dangerous and links up play effectively.[LNB]"But, if the team stays in third place in the Premier League, it is because of the whole team and we must pay a lot of attention to every player."[LNB]Zico also believes playing so many high-profile games in quick succession could also have an effect on Villa.[LNB]Martin O'Neill's side were in FA Cup action at Everton on Sunday and, after tonight's clash, entertain Chelsea in a crucial league encounter on Saturday.[LNB]Zico said: "Villa are playing a lot of tough games. They've just played Everton, now us, and then Chelsea next. Players lose their power by playing so many games.[LNB]"Of course it can interfere. The game is very important against Chelsea for them - as is the one against us - so it can have an effect with so many games close together."[LNB]Zico also hit out at the sacking of compatriot Luiz Felipe Scolari by Chelsea and claims he should have been judged over the entire season.[LNB]He said: "I am a good friend of Scolari and I felt sad and upset after knowing he had been dismissed. He is a really high-class coach who has won the World Cup.[LNB]"His team are still in contention in the Champions League and are in fourth place in the Premier League so nothing has been lost.[LNB]"I give all my support to him and I am really sad because he didn't deserve to be dismissed.[LNB]"Yes, he lost some important games but he hasn't gone out of any major tournaments. He still had the chances in every tournament to win or turn things around."[LNB][LNB] Prem To Finish In Top 4 2008/09 Win Outright: Aston Villa 1/2[LNB]
