All Hero I-League teams highly competitive, says GKFC head coach Vincenzo Annese
KOLKATA: 11 teams are set to face off in what promises to be another high-voltage season of the Hero I-League as the action kicks off on January 9, 2021. Despite the latest edition being played in a revised format under a bio-secure bubble, Gokulam Kerala FC’s newly-appointed head coach Vincenzo Alberto Annese feels that the ‘competitive’ nature of the tournament and its teams will remain intact and any side can defeat any other team in the league on its day.
“I have watched all the matches of the Hero I-League in the last 2-3 seasons. Each team is capable of beating any other team in the league and all the teams are highly competitive. A lot of the teams are good and we respect everyone but we are focused on our preparation. We have been training hard and are improving each day, and hope to do well in the tournament,” the Italian stated in a virtual media interaction on Thursday (December 24, 2020).
Echoing his coach’s words and sentiments was veteran defender Deepak Devrani, who signed for the Kerala side ahead of the 2020-21 campaign, and stressed on the importance of each team proving itself on the field in order to end up as champions.
He said, “In the last few years, the Hero I-League has been won by so many different teams and one cannot predict who will win this time around as well. This league can never be easy and we cannot think that we are good on paper and can win. We have to prove ourselves on the field. I have only one aim – to win the league.”
With the upcoming season due to be played in empty stadiums without any fans, head coach Annese hailed the Gokulam Kerala supporters and expressed his delight at the club having such a passionate fan base.
“All the supporters of Gokulam Kerala are amazing. I am really happy that we have so many supporters and I understand that they will be disappointed that they will not be able to watch us play in the stadium. However, I know that they will be following us via social media and they can show their love and support from far.”
“We have created a terrific group and we have a lot of young, talented players. I am pleased with the team, and I am confident that the fans are happy as well,” he quipped.
The 28-year-old Devrani, who is already a two-time Hero I-League winner, stated that everyone at the club is talking about winning the competition and the mood in the team is very positive.
“I saw the potential this club has and so, I signed for them. From the first day, everyone at the club – from the ball boys to the owner – has been positive and been talking only about the Hero I-League. Our main aim is to prepare for it and we are all giving our 100 per cent in training. It’s about all the players in the team and everyone is doing their best,” Devrani added.
Gokulam Kerala FC face off against neighbours Chennai City FC in their opening clash of the new season on January 9, 2021, in Kalyani and also took part in the prestigious IFA Shield, where they bowed out in the quarterfinals stage.
Annese stated, “I am happy with the performance of the team in the IFA Shield. I wanted to see our players play and the more games you play, the more you improve. We have improved a lot in pre-season and have more time to prepare for the upcoming Hero I-League competition.”
He also spoke about the ‘family-like’ atmosphere in the dressing room and gave a thumbs-up to the new players brought in at the club.
“This is just the beginning and we are really making great progress. We have a lot of good international players along with a number of very talented local players. There is great competition for starting places in the squad. The atmosphere in the group is very good and all of us enjoy our training. We are like a family,” he affirmed.
Credits: I-League Media
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
Also Read: Indian legends recall memories of “best technical side of Asia”
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football.
I-League 2: Mumbai Derby turns into a Survival Race Between MH Oranje FC and Kenkre FC.
The final matchday of the I-League 2 is set for an intense showdown as MH Oranje FC takes on Kenkre FC in the Mumbai derby. The match, scheduled for 27th…
Mohun Bagan Super Giant produce magnificent triumph to storm into second straight ISL final after 2-0 win against Odisha FC
Kolkata, April 28: Mohun Bagan Super Giant emerged triumphant against the Odisha FC by 2-0 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata tonight to win the second leg of their…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / MFA Super League
Redefining Mumbai Football: The unique approach of India On Track FC
In a football landscape where clubs often prioritize short-term success over long-term sustainability, India On Track FC (IOT FC) stands out as a beacon of dedication, unity, and unwavering commitment…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJ-GMSC Completes Unbeaten Season with Draw Against Millat FC
Kartik Strike in the first half seize’s MYJ-GMSC their unbeaten debut season in MFA Premier League In a high-octane Clash at the MFA Premier League, MYJ-GMSC faced off against Millat…
Mumbai City FC ease past FC Goa to set up blockbuster grand finale clash against ISL Champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Mumbai, April 29: Mumbai City FC set up a finals date with the Mohun Bagan Super Giant after defeating FC Goa by 2-0 in the second leg of their semi-final…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MH Oranje FC Seals Penultimate Game with Thrilling 2-1 Win Over Reliance FYC
Yogesh Kadam’s First-Half Brace Propels MH Oranje FC Toward a Strong Season Finish. MH Oranje FC clinched a significant 2-1 win over Reliance FYC in the penultimate game of the…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…