Punjab FC’s head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis lauded his players after a comprehensive 3-0 win against defending champions Mumbai City FC in the ongoing Indian Super League on Tuesday.
Vidal, Luka Majcen, and Mushaga Bakenga scored for the Shers to give a big win to their team against a potent opponent. The visitors only had 35.5% possession but made most of their four shots on target.
Dilmperis hailed the players’ discipline for the much-needed win against the Islanders and added their target is to qualify for the playoffs.
“Congratulations to the players. They maintained so much more discipline than ever. Other than that, we were good; we have 15 points and are still in the position to qualify for the playoffs. This is our target,” Dilmperis remarked as he shared his post-match thoughts.
“If we want to say that we did something because we lost the previous game at home, then the next game is the most important game of the season,” he added.
Punjab FC had lost their previous two matches against NorthEast United and FC Goa by 2-1 each and the gaffer reckons the individual mistakes were leading to their downfall.
“It’s been a long time now that our performance is good during the games. We created chances, but we couldn’t score. Most of the time in Goa, (there were) individual mistakes, and against NorthEast United FC, they (players) let the opponent score. It was hard for us to come back because we were losing a lot of chances,” he said.
“Today, the game started the same way because we had chances outside of the box. A lot of shots, but we couldn’t score. I would say that we were lucky in the first goal because it was the end of the half and changed the balance of the game. And also, the ball hits somewhere and goes over; maybe the keeper could save it,” he added.
The head coach added that this win against the Islanders will boost his players’ confidence as they don’t have much experience.
“The most important thing is that now we’re humble because we’re on the battle. We lost two games in a row, and especially the last one was a home game. Usually, good teams manage to stand up, and this is good for my team,” he opined.
“On the other hand, it is great. Because in my team there are a lot of young players with less experience in this league. They have to find confidence, and this result is giving confidence to these players,” Dilmperis signed off.
Punjab FC will next take on Mohun Bagan Super Giant at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Delhi on 6th December.
