ISL 2024-25: Punjab FC Coach Dilmperis Declares FC Goa the League's Top Team

New Delhi, Feb 26 (NationPress) Punjab FC is set to clash with second-placed FC Goa in their concluding home match of the season, seeking to secure a victory in this Indian Super League encounter scheduled for Thursday at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Ahead of the match, Punjab FC's head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis expressed his belief that the team led by Manolo Marquez is the finest in the league.

With only three matches left in the league, Punjab FC, currently sitting 11th with 24 points, aims to finish strong, while FC Goa, holding 42 points from 21 games, is targeting a top-two finish in the standings.

Punjab FC suffered a 1-3 defeat in their last home match against East Bengal FC, while FC Goa achieved a 2-0 victory over Kerala Blasters. In their previous encounter in Goa last November, FC Goa triumphed 2-1, thanks to goals from Armandu Sadiku and Iker Guarrotxena, after Asmir Suljic initially gave Punjab the lead.

“We will be up against a team that I consider the best in the league. Their play style is well-known, led by a coach who also oversees the national team. It’s essential for me to keep the team motivated as we continue to play our style of football,” Dilmperis remarked during the pre-match press conference.

Punjab FC will welcome back Nikhil Prabhu and Tekcham Abhishek Singh, who have both had stellar seasons. Luka Majcen, who has made a significant impact off the bench, has contributed 11 goal involvements with eight goals and three assists, while Ezequiel Pulga Vidal has netted six goals and provided three assists this season.

“I will not use injuries as an excuse for our decline in performance this season. We need to evaluate what transpired and determine if injuries influenced our current standings,” Dilmperis stated when asked about the impact of injuries and suspensions on the team's performance this season.

With the ISL shield decided, FC Goa aims to gather maximum points from their remaining matches to secure a direct semifinal berth. Key players Iker Guarrotxena, Armandu Sadiku, and Brison Fernandes are in excellent form and will pose significant threats to the Punjab defense.

Both teams are keen to improve their positions on the table, making this match pivotal as Punjab FC strives to conclude their home leg with a memorable victory for their supporters.

Punjab FC defender Suresh Meitei commented, “We have performed well this season but have faced some misfortune with results due to mistakes that have cost us. We will adhere to our game plan and continue our style of play against a formidable Goa side to achieve a favorable outcome.”