Winning a title is one thing. But defending it is quite another. And Gokulam Kerala FC head coach Vincenzo Alberto Annese is someone who knows very well that his players will have to give their blood, sweat, and tears to secure back-to-back I-League titles despite them needing just a point against Sreenidi Deccan FC on Tuesday to do so.
In fact, the Malabarians could retain the title even before they take to the field at the Naihati Stadium in West Bengal at 8 pm if second-placed Mohammedan SC fail to take all three points from Rajasthan United in their match kicking off three hours earlier.
"Making history is positive for everyone. But the most important thing is to get all three points on Tuesday. We have worked so hard to reach this stage. We have the motivation. But we also need to have that extra power that should come from inside to do this," said Annese on the eve of the game.
Talking of making history, Gokulam could become the first team to successfully defend a title in the I-League era on Tuesday while they are also on the verge of becoming the first-ever invincible champions in the NFL/I-League history having collected 40 points from 16 matches without tasting defeat.
Sreenidi, on the other hand, have only lost once in their last six games and are coming on the back of a 2-0 win over RoundGlass Punjab FC. They feature players like Ubaid CK and Mohamed Salah who won the league with Gokulam as well as their former boss Fernando Santiago Varela, who is suspended for the tie.
"They are one of the top teams in the I-League. They have quality players like Ogana Louis and David Castaneda as well as Indian players who have a winning mentality. But we have studied them well. We know they will look to attack through the middle and have discussed it within the team," Annese said.
"We know their coach very well and also the way they play. We are prepared for the challenge," said the Italian tactician whose side defeated Sreenidi 2-1 in their previous meeting last month.
Varela, however, is hoping the result will be different this time around. "From the last time we played them, I believe we are a better team now, in both the offensive and defensive phase," the Spaniard said.
