Gokulam appoint attack-minded Jose Hevia as head coach, aim instant ISL promotion

Gokulam Kerala have appointed Jose Hevia as head coach, hoping the experienced Spaniard can help them win the I-League again and gain promotion to the Indian Super League.

Gokulam finished third in the I-League (second division) in the last three seasons, missing out on promotion to the first division. "We’re confident that under his leadership, we will not only produce entertaining football but also strive toward our ultimate goal—lifting the I-League trophy and qualifying for the ISL," said Gokulam President V C Praveen.

Kozhikode-based Gokulam won consecutive I-League titles under Italian Vincenzo Alberto Annese, with the last one coming in 2021-22, the final season before the All India Football Federation roadmap guaranteeing promotion for the winners to the ISL kicked in.

Hevia, 53, is the fifth Spaniard to manage Gokulam after Santiago Varela, Francesc Bonet, Domingo Oramas, and Antonio Rueda, who was sacked during the last campaign. Hevia has worked in Indian football for nearly a decade, having managed Shillong Lajong, Minerva Punjab, and Mohammedan during that period.

Last season, Shillong Lajong scored the joint-most goals in the I-League (46) under Hevia. Praveen believes Hevia's attacking mindset perfectly aligns with his club’s footballing ideology.

Hevia himself expressed faith in the potential of his new team. "I’m truly excited to be part of this journey with Gokulam Kerala FC. Together, I believe we can achieve great things and aim for the championship. This is a club with a proud history and passionate fans, and I look forward to contributing to its continued success," Hevia said.

Kochi-based Kerala Blasters are the only club from Kerala that features in the ISL. The Blasters were among the original eight franchises set up for the inaugural edition of the ISL in 2014.