Punjab FC's Head Coach Dilmperis Aims for a Strong Finish to a 'Wonderful First Season'

Kolkata, March 9 (NationPress) Punjab FC aims to secure consecutive victories and conclude their season on a high note as they take on Mohammedan SC in their final match of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season on Monday at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan.

With a win, Punjab, currently holding 27 points, could ascend to eighth place and guarantee a finish no lower than ninth in the standings, while ISL newcomers Mohammedan SC, already confirmed to finish last, will also seek to end their season with a strong performance.

Before the match, Punjab FC head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis stated, “It has been a wonderful first season for me as a coach. I take pride in leading such a young team that has performed admirably throughout the season. Being young players, it is true that perhaps due to their inexperience, we missed out on some results that could have gone our way.”

Punjab FC achieved a convincing 3-1 triumph over Hyderabad FC in their penultimate match of the season in Hyderabad, with Luka Majcen and Singamayum Shami, the youngest goal-scorer in league history, netting the goals. In contrast, Mohammedan SC faced a 0-2 defeat against FC Goa in their recent fixture in Goa. In their earlier encounter in New Delhi, Punjab FC secured a solid 2-0 victory, thanks to goals from Luka Majcen and Filip Mrzljak. The Shers boast a favorable record against Mohammedan, having won four out of seven matches, including I-League clashes, while the remaining three ended in draws.

“We will approach the final match in line with our strategy to secure all three points and wrap up the season positively. Mohammedan is a challenging team to break down at home, even though they have struggled to achieve the results they desired,” he added.

Luka Majcen, with nine goals and three assists, aims to finish the season with double-digit goals, while Ezequeil Vidal, Asmir Suljic, and other attackers will also strive to increase their goal tallies. The 18-year-old Muhammad Suhail F., who has had a breakout season marked by impressive performances, will also look to maintain his form and conclude the season successfully.

Punjab has demonstrated excellent defensive statistics this season, with Nikhil Prabhu and Tekcham Abhishek Singh recording 56 and 46 interceptions, respectively. The Shers have faced the fewest shots and rank second in terms of allowing opposition touches inside their box.

In anticipation of the match, Punjab FC goalkeeper Muheet Shabir remarked, “This inaugural season in the ISL has been a valuable learning experience for me. I have gained much knowledge from the coaching staff and hope to have improved. We are confident about tomorrow’s match and aim to play our best football to secure all three points.”

In a season that could have unfolded more favorably were it not for some unfortunate results and injuries, Punjab FC seeks to finish their season with a comprehensive performance and clinch all three points.