Gokulam Kerala players are eager to start pre-season, says Vincenzo Annese

The head coach of the I-League side spoke about their pre-season preparations that have been going well despite the COVID-19 situation.

Gokulam Kerala FC head coach Vincenzo Alberto Annese and his plan to start an early pre-season camp at Kozhikode has been hit by the COVID-19 pandemic situation here but the gaffer is confident that he would be able to prepare in the best way with available time.

The coach has been in constant touch with the players and along with fitness coach Djair Garcia, he is conducting daily online sessions for the players.

“Our plan was to start slowly. But in Kozhikode, I hear there is a strict COVID-19 protocol. So we have decided to start with online sessions," he said.

"Also, it has been decided that the league will be held only in December. Right now I am giving space to the fitness coach to condition the players and prepare them for the camp. He is doing a good job,” said the coach.

The coach has also had personal conversations with each player and he says the morale of the players is good. “It was nice talking to each player. I am trying to converse with the players freely. Right now we know each other. These players have not played football for several months, and I see the eagerness in them to start the pre-season,” said the coach.

The coach has already drawn a COVID-19 special training program complying with FIFA and AIFF protocols.

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“We have to be really careful. I understand we have to be in quarantine when we reach there. We have already received the AIFF protocol and we will work accordingly. I am confident with the management and we are on the same wavelength about implementing COVID-19 protocol,” he said.

Having worked in several countries, the coach is keen to learn about Indian football and he has been watching I League qualifiers lately. “I am trying to watch most of the matches. It is more important to know about Indian players and football there,” he added.