Punjab FC needed to win at all costs against Chennaiyin FC to keep their playoff hopes alive. Panagiotis Dilmepris‘ team, however, lost 2-1 to the Marina Machans, failing to accomplish it. At the press conference following the game, Panagiotis talked about the loss, Muhammad Suhail’s effect, and the likelihood for playoffs.
Panagiotis Dilmperis on the loss:
Despite an unimpressive opening 25-30 minutes, Punjab FC eventually gained control of the game and had some fantastic opportunities as the game went on. Following Majcen’s equaliser, they had numerous fantastic opportunities to secure the lead early in the second half. However, they were unable to take advantage of those opportunities and ultimately lost all three points. Talking about the loss, Panagiotis emphasized that they need to be more aggressive with the ball.
“We came in the second half very active with a lot of quick actions, quick decisions. We brought the game to the spot that we wanted to bring it. This is what we were trying to do. We knew that the full backs of Chennaiyin would have issues. Because they are not an official (natural) type of full backs. So, we wanted to go 1v1 there. We took the advantage of this. We serviced the ball in.We managed to score one goal. But at the same time, I still remember five chances lost from Luka and a couple of Giakoumakis and also Pulga.”
“Even after the 2-1, we had three chances for scoring. But also, the first 25 minutes are also important. Because we should play this way from the beginning. We were the team that had the bigger motivation for this game. We tried to qualify. Our game was really slow. And we never found, except two chances with Filip, we never found Chennai not compact. Most of the times, we went slow, and Chennai played and managed to be compact.”
Panagiotis Dilmperis on Punjab FC youngsters:
Panagiotis made an important decision to put Muhammad Suhail on in the first half. With some risky crosses into the opposing box from both flanks, the winger had a spectacular effect coming off the bench. Pramveer is among the players who have advanced to the first team, in addition to Suhail. Dilmperis is certain that these young players will do even better next season.
“Suhail and the other young boys are the grape trees. But grapefruits, we will have next season.”
Panagiotis Dilmperis on lack of results:
On several instances this season, Punjab FC has performed brilliantly throughout the game but has failed to win. This was also true today, as they had a fantastic 15–20 minute period during which they should have unquestionably seized the lead. As a head coach, Dilmperis maintained that being in this scenario is extremely aggravating.
“It’s hard (to play well and not pick up points). For someone with my ego, it’s very hard. But this is football. There are a lot of explanations about this. It’s not the right time. We have to finish the season and then evaluate the situation. But I’m going to say that again, it’s hard. Sometimes, when you go to the press conference, losing the game, and you say that you’re super satisfied with your performance, in the end, it looks like a joke.”
Panagiotis Dilmperis on playoffs:
With two losses on their last three games, Punjab’s hopes to the qualification to the playoffs have taken a hit. With 24 points from 20 games, the Shers have to win all their remaining games to have any realistic chance of qualifying for the playoffs. Dilmperis discussed on the chances for the playoffs following the defeat against Chennaiyin FC.
“Now, it’s less (chances to qualify). We needed to win today and then we had a lot. And I did believe that we could win, even tie this game. Now, it’s really tough, but for our integrity, for our ego, we have four games. We will try to win these four games.”
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