Punjab FC, now ranked 11th in the bottom half of the standings, will host FC Goa at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi. Following a 3-1 defeat to East Bengal, the Shers’ aspirations of making the playoffs are all but gone. Punjab FC head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis spoke to the media prior to the game about the opponents, opportunities for young players, and the ISL scheduling.
Panagiotis Dilmperis on FC Goa:
FC Goa has been one of the most consistent teams in the league this season, as evidenced by their position in the standings and points total. Their efforts would have earned them the ISL Shield in a different season. Panagiotis called Goa the greatest team in the league and recognized their quality.
“It’s a game against the team in my opinion is the best team in the league, for a plenty of reasons. When you play with a team like this, with these players and also with the coach of the national team, you always should have the will and the first thought to have a good game and win this game. Everybody knows Goa, everybody knows the advantages of this team, the style of playing, the strategy that they follow. We will see tomorrow a team that will be an equal opponent to FC Goa.”
Panagiotis Dilmperis on minutes for youngsters:
Punjab have offered opportunities to a number of young players this season, with Pramveer and Suhail breaking into the first-team squad and demonstrating their promise. Panagiotis was asked if he thought more young players should be included in the starting lineup or matchday squad, given the small possibilities of making the playoffs.
“I will give time to players that deserve to play, young or not. Even during the winter, we gave time to some players that they played, it was not a favor, I have mentioned that during these press conferences. They deserved to play, and they play, so in my life I don’t do favors.”
Panagiotis on ISL Scheduling:
Earlier this month, Bengaluru FC head coach Gerard Zaragoza criticised the ISL for scheduling his team to play two games in four days with an 11-hour travel time in between. Punjab has had several injuries to important players this season, and Panagiotis believes that scheduling games on weekends will assist the clubs in terms of reducing the number of injuries.
“I would say what the coach of the Bengaluru said a couple of days ago and a regular calendar with games Friday, Saturday and Sunday will be easier for the teams to address all these issues (injury issues). Most of the teams we are based on foreign players, they are the key players. When you cannot get them out of the game, it is really natural they will get injured. So, if the calendar was regular, maybe we would find one way to give them some support, some days off, etc.”
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