Zico undaunted by masterful Wenger

Matchday 6 brings a reunion for two men who have followed the traditional 'go west' advice for those who crave fame and success, as Olympiacos FC welcome Arsenal FC to Piraeus seeking the point they need to ensure progress.

Happy football
Zico and Arsène Wenger both worked in the emerging Japanese J. League in the early 1990s, the Brazilian ending his prestigious playing career while Wenger was coaching Nagoya Grampus Eight. During his time in the far east, the Frenchman won an admirer in Zico, esteem which has grown immensely during Wenger's 13 years in North London. "Arsène's mentality has been to bring together footballers who bring happiness in our sport, the type of players I like to watch," the now Olympiacos coach told uefa.com.

'The art of football'
"I've followed him since he was in Japan, and he always was a guardian of the art of football – football with happiness and football played well," added Zico, who spent three years at J. League side Kashima Antlers. "At Arsenal he has the qualities to get the best out of players. He made the right choice going there because he has been able to create a good team with great players, but they aren't unbeatable. Arsenal can be defeated, as they already have been a few times [this season], but they're a very difficult team to beat."

Coaching skill
While Wenger is one of the most sought-after coaches in the world, he had a modest playing career. By contrast, Zico remains one of the true greats, but although he has won trophies in Turkish, Uzbek and Russian football, as well as guiding Japan to the 2004 AFC Asian Cup, he still longs to build a dynasty as Wenger has. The Brazilian believes he possesses a particular coaching skill in common with the Arsenal manager, and that it will lead him to success.

Hidden depths
"I try to draw the maximum out of the players and improve them on an individual basis," he said. "Sometimes a player has a talent or quality which stays dormant, and I always try to work with him on that so he can grow. A player who grows individually helps the team. He gains confidence and takes it on to the pitch, and is more confident in his play, so I try to help him realise what he has and I look to develop it with different types of training. Every player has a special quality and I'm skilled at bringing it out." Whether he is ready to take on the old master will be seen on Tuesday as Olympiacos seek the point they need to secure a first knockout round place against an Arsenal side already confirmed as Group H winners.