Punjab FC assistant coach Sankarlal Chakraborty expressed his disappointment after a 1-1 draw against defending champions Mumbai City FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Delhi in the ongoing Indian Super League 2024-25 on Thursday.
The Shers captain Luka Majcen scored in the stoppage time of the first half to put his team in front. However, the Islanders equalized as Nikolaos Karelis found the back of the net in the 58th minute.
The home team had 39.6% possession but took five shots on target.
“We came (into the game) for three points, but one point, at this moment, is good enough. At least this one point gives confidence for the next match” Sankarlal Chakraborty said in the post-match press conference.
Chakraborty substituted goalscorer Luka Majcen in the 63rd minute to hand Petros Giakoumakis his ISL debut. The assistant coach revealed he wanted Petros to get used to the team’s game plans.
He said, “No, that is all of our plans. If you substitute any players, they will show a little bit of anger. It is not a big problem.”
“It was our plan that after 10-15 minutes of the second half, if we need any changes, the new foreigner should join. Because he should know our environment, players, and all these things.,” he continued.
Meanwhile, Punjab FC is in eighth place in the standings with 20 points in 15 games. Chakraborty is optimistic about his team’s chances to qualify for the playoffs.
“I believe we can (to qualify for the top six). We took the lead against East Bengal FC, Mohun Bagan SG. But in the second half, in the first 10-15 minutes, we conceded goals. Then, again, our team played according to our style,” he explained.
“We have time for another 10 days. We have to sit, talk, and we have to rectify. Otherwise, it’s very difficult to reach the top six,” Chakraborty signed off.
Punjab FC will next take on Jamshedpur FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Delhi on January 28.
