We must show supporters that we can win back-to-back titles: Annese

GKFC Media

Kozhikode, April 26:

I-League-winning Italian coach Vincenzo Alberto Annese has extended his contract with Malabarians. In a free-wheeling interview, he explains his dreams of celebrating goals with supporters, defending the ILeague title, and also his Asian dreams.

You will be continuing your term with Malabarians. What are your thoughts on a contract extension and your aims?

I am so excited to be part of this big family. I was so honoured to win the title last year. Now we need to repeat it. And we need to concentrate on Asia. We are a new entry to this competition. It will be hard and complicate. But my mentality is always to win. We will try hard to do our best in Asia. Our first aim is to pass through the group stage in Asia.

Malabarians will be playing in the AFC Cup next season. Also, we have to defend the ILeague title. What will be your realistic targets for next season?

Next season we have to again win the title. It is very important to win the title. We must show supporters that we can win back-to-back titles. And we need all the supporters here to watch us play. I hope the Covid will finish so that supporters can come and watch our performance in the stadium. This is very important for me because I need football with supporters.

You employed a different style of football last year. We are the top-scoring team in the league. How do you plan to take forward your attacking style next season?

We need to take forward this style. All the time we need to attack forward. We need to press our opponents. We need to impose our game on opponents. We need to create the same atmosphere, same aggressiveness among the players to make sure that we win titles next season.

You have given opportunities to several Kerala players, especially young players. Can we expect more Kerala talents in your team next season?

Kerala players are in my plans. I have identified players who can be part of my plans next season. I am very happy to work with young players. They give us a lot of energy, speed, and enthusiasm, which will be beneficial to the club.

Your message to fans

I want to be together with the fans. I want to see the stadium full next season. I get excited when we score and I want to celebrate it with our fans. You know we are going to score a lot of goals this year. So I wish everyone to come to our stadium and watch our performance.