Kozhikode, August 10
Gokulam Kerala FC have begun a major overhaul ahead of the upcoming Indian Football League (IFL) season, turning to Brazilian expertise as they look to bounce back from a disappointing ninth-place finish in the second-tier competition last season.
The Malabarians have appointed Brazilian Carlos Eduardo Parreira as their new head coach, entrusting him with the task of rebuilding a side that has struggled to reproduce the form that once made it one of the dominant forces in Indian football.
Parreira arrives with extensive coaching experience across Brazil, Indonesia and Thailand. He has also been associated with Brazil’s youth set-up, working in different capacities with the country’s U-15 and U-17 national teams. His résumé also includes a stint as an opposition analyst with the Brazil senior national team during the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Gokulam have also strengthened their attack by signing experienced Brazilian striker Crislan Henrique da Silva de Sousa, popularly known as Crislan. The club announced the 34-year-old forward’s arrival on Sunday.
Crislan has played across several footballing markets, with spells in Brazil, Portugal, Japan, South Korea, Thailand and Indonesia. He has made 294 appearances during his career, scoring 73 goals and contributing 19 assists.
The changes come as Gokulam seek to rediscover the consistency that helped them win successive I-League titles in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons under Italian coach Vincenzo Alberto Annese. The Kerala club had earlier made history by winning the Durand Cup in 2019.
Their performances, however, have dipped in recent seasons. After their consecutive league triumphs, Gokulam finished third twice and then fourth before falling to ninth place last season.
Apart from adding Crislan to their forward line, Gokulam have strengthened the midfield by bringing in Lalchungnunga Chhangte from Sreenidi Deccan.
With a new coach and reinforcements arriving, Gokulam will hope the rebuilding exercise can propel them back into contention for top honours.
