I-League facet, Gokulam Kerala FC head coach, Vincenzo Alberto Annese has opened up on their upcoming AFC Cup 2022 group stage opener in opposition to ATK Mohun Bagan – revealing that his facet “will play to win”.
Gokulam Kerala have been drawn in Group D of the 2022 AFC Cup together with fellow Indian facet, ATK Mohun Bagan, Bangladesh Premier League champions, Bashundhara Kings and Maziya who’re the winners of the Maldives’ Dhivehi Premier League.
Kerala come into the conflict on the again of making historical past within the I-League, with the Malabarians changing into the primary membership to defend their crown after beating Mohammedan Sporting 2-1 within the decider.
? Charting a brand new course ?#Malabarians #GKFC #AFCCup2022 #GKFCATKMB pic.twitter.com/TGTUw9zBD7
— Gokulam Kerala FC (@GokulamKeralaFC) May 18, 2022
While ATK Mohun Bagan go into the conflict as favourites, Annese believes that his facet shouldn’t be underestimated.
“I’ve respect for all opponents but trust me you have respect for my team also. They must give everything tomorrow. With budget you don’t win football. It’s a battle between XI versus XI on the field. “Personally, I’m a bit emotional, the budgets are totally different in ISL groups, and us. But budgets do not matter to gamers. “I am very involved in this game, commitment, respect towards opponents are important but we will not make it easy for ATK. Tomorrow, we will play for a win,” he mentioned on the eve of the sport.
Gokulam Kerala will open their marketing campaign in opposition to ATK Mohun Bagan on Wednesday, 18 May with the match scheduled to kick-off at 4:30pm IST.