Kolkata: Gokulam Kerala FC started their campaign in the AFC Cup 2022 on a high note with a statement 4-2 win against ATK Mohun Bagan. However, their graph a had a steep fall when the teams were handed two back to back defeats by Bashundhara Kings and Maziya SR.
Playing seven competitive games in a span of 21 days, Gokulam Kerala FC head coach Vincenzo Alberto Annese identified fatigue as the most important cause for the shortcomings of his team, However, the causes of the failure can be deemed manifold.
Vincenzo Alberto Annese’s lineup garnered a lot of criticism from people as he made some questionable decisions whose effect was seen throughout the game. With Rishad being a defensive midfielder, and the midfield trio of Rishad- Shariff- Emil Benny workout wonders for the side on their opening day. With Rishad shifting to the back, where he could not match the intensity with both the goals being converted from the end. At the same time, the absence of Hakku was felt thoroughly. However, it remains highly debatable as to why Mohammad Jassim was not given start despite having good defensive statistics. However, what was of most debates as to why coach Alberto Annese did not switch up his formation watching the shortcomings of it.
