Zico: Euro teams are overrated, they start making excuses when things go wrong

On June 24, Flamengo legend and Brazilian football icon Zico gave an interview to Brazilian outlet Globo, where he commented on European teams using the heat as an excuse for poor performances.

Zico on European teams underperforming:

“European football is overrated. We need to put an end to that. They shouldn’t be the ones controlling everything. Whenever things go wrong, they start making excuses — like blaming the heat. They seem to have no idea how to play under adversity.

When conditions change — whether it’s the heat, or the end of a long season — we’ve dealt with all that without anyone whining or making excuses. That’s just how it is.

Yes, those teams are very strong — almost like national teams. But take a look: how many Spanish players are there in Real Madrid? How many English players in Manchester City? How many Germans in Bayern Munich?

Flamengo is similar now — we have Uruguay internationals, Chile internationals, and Brazil internationals. The strength is evenly matched. What really matters is staying in good form and stepping up when the moment comes.”