The Malabarians won back-to-back I-League titles under the Italian's guidance and he also coached them in their maiden AFC Cup campaign last month.
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Gokulam Kerala FC’s two-time I-League-winning head coach Vincenzo Alberto Annese has confirmed his decision to leave the Kozhikode-based club on Wednesday. The Italian tactician has left the Kerala outfit after two successful seasons as his contract runs out on May 31. The Malabarians won back-to-back I-League titles under his guidance and he also led them in their maiden AFC Cup campaign last month. Annese’s side went on a 21-match unbeaten run, which was a new record in I-League’s history. Annese has done a fabulous job with GKFC, apart from winning the titles, the 37-year-old helped in the development of many Indian players.Â
I am thankful to the All India Football Federation for all the motivation and inspiring words given to me.
We made a historical record of 21 unbeaten games and two consecutive I League trophies ??and to add, we represented India in AFC cup.
New challenge ahead!! pic.twitter.com/8Oh4WNQa6b— Vincenzo Alberto Annese (@AnneseCoach) June 1, 2022
“We made a historical record of 21 unbeaten games and two consecutive I-League trophies. And to add (to that), we represented India in the AFC Cup,” Annese wrote on Instagram on Wednesday. The Italian also expressed his desire to continue working in India, but whether it would be in the I-League or Indian Super League (ISL) is yet unknown. “I will always love Gokulam Kerala FC and it will always be in my heart. Now I look forward to new challenges and explore new opportunities which can be in India or in another country. I hope to continue working in India and make the country proud. Each state of India is full of talent,” he said.
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GKFC defeated Mohammedan SC 2-1 in the final match of the 2021-22 season to lift the title. Second-half goals from Rishad and Emil Benny helped GKFC get the better of the Kolkata outfit and win their second ever I-League title, since the formation of the club in 2017. Annese took charge of the side in August 2020 after the departure of Santiago Valera. Annese didn’t make too many changes into GKFC’s playing style and that paved the way for quick success. The club had a philosophy of playing possession based football which was started by Bino George and Annese struck to that playing style.Â
GKFC ended the 2021-22 I-League campaign with most number of goals scored (44) and least number of goals conceded (15). Annese’s side had the best defensive and offensive record. The Italian’s last assignment with GKFC was the group stage of the AFC Cup where the Malabarians started off with a bang, defeating ISL side ATK Mohun Bagan 4-2. However, GKFC faltered in the remaining two games, losing to Maziya Fc and Bashundhara Kings, and failed to make it to the next stage of the competition. However, it was a great learning experience for the team from Kerala and no doubt they will put up a much better show in the continental stage next season.
