Punjab to take on Gokulam Kerala

Hero I-League

Anil Datt

Ludhiana, January 19

Punjab FC takes on the Durand Cup Champions, Gokulam Kerala FC tomorrow at Guru Nanak Stadium, Ludhiana. Gokulam Kerala FC is currently on the fourth position of the Hero I-League table with 10 points after six games and is coming to Ludhiana after a win against Quess East Bengal FC while Punjab FC are on the second position with 11 points and will be looking forward for a win after the draw against Mohun Bagan in their home ground on January 14.

Punjab FC head coach Yan Law and player Nitesh Aswani attended the official pre-match press conference ahead of the clash against Gokulam Kerala FC. Yan Law believes that they have always conceded goals due to their own mistakes and no other team in the league has scored a good goal against them in a footballing sense.

He further added that all goals scored by Punjab FC had come because of good build-up plays or set pieces. Talking about Gokulam, he said playing at home was a big advantage for them as Gokulam had got most of their points playing at their home in Kozhikode.

Commenting on mistakes that have led to the consecutive draws of Punjab FC, Nitesh said the team was motivated to win the next match and they were not going to settle for anything other than three points when they face Gokulam Kerala tomorrow.

From Gokulam Kerala FC, their head coach Santiago Valera and Henry Kisekka were there to interact with the media.

Valera said: “Punjab FC is a very tough team to play against as they have a good mix of youth and experience in their squad.” He added that because of the weather in Ludhiana, the grass was not in the ideal condition but his players would try their best to play their brand of football.

Talking about the last match, Kisekka said they played a tough game against soccer powerhouse East Bengal and came out to be the deserved winners. He said now the team morale was high and the focus was on playing good football and winning it.

The match will be kicked off at 2 pm on Monday.