Teamwork key for Punjab FC’s Luka Majcen, Vinit Rai ahead of ISL 2024-25
Punjab FC duo Majcen and Rai shared their thoughts on their Durand Cup semi-final finish and the upcoming ISL season during the Media Day in Kolkata.
Punjab FC captain Luka Majcen and midfielder Vinit Rai are confident that the squad can build on last season’s performance and reach the playoffs for the first time.
In their debut Indian Super League (ISL) season, Punjab FC exceeded expectations with an eighth-place finish. They were in playoff contention at one point and ended just three points behind Chennaiyin FC, who secured the sixth spot and qualified for the playoffs.
Majcen was instrumental in their success last season, contributing to 10 of the team's 28 goals with eight goals and two assists. He aims to build on his performances and further contribute to the team’s success.
“My main objective is always the objective of the team. We will go game by game and try to do better than we did last year. And personally, I will also try to do better,” he told indiansuperleague.com during Media Day in Kolkata.
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A key component of Punjab FC’s success was Majcen’s partnership with Madih Talal and Wilmar Jordan Gil. However, both Talal and Gil have moved to East Bengal FC and Chennaiyin FC, respectively, for the upcoming season, which will be a significant loss for the Shers. Talal was the league’s top assist provider with 10 assists and also scored six goals, while Gil netted eight goals and provided an assist in 15 appearances after joining mid-season.
“Last year’s combination with Madih Talal and Wilmar Jordan Gil is finished. We have a few new combinations for this year. You will see that in the games,” Majcen said.
“You can’t get attached to a player very much; you never know when you’ll lose your teammate. I wish Madih (Talal) all the best for this season. I enjoyed his assists and playing with him. He will definitely be missed. But it is what it is.”
Punjab FC are undergoing a transition, having parted ways with several key players from the previous season, including former head coach Staikos Vergetis. His successor, Panagiotis Dilimperis, has quickly adapted and led the team to the semi-finals of the Durand Cup, where they were narrowly defeated by Mohun Bagan Super Giant on penalties. Majcen promises that the team will continue to play attacking football and become a challenging opponent.
“We showcased our gameplay a little bit in the Durand Cup. Since then, we have tried to train even more. You have not seen our final version. We’ll continue the good game styles in the ISL also,” Majcen asserted.
“We will be a competitive team with a nice playing style. We will try to play eye-catching football, score as many goals as possible and concede as few as possible,” he added.
It’s all about the mindset: Vinit Rai
Midfielder and new signing Rai also emphasised the importance of teamwork and fighting with a strong mindset.
Rai joined Punjab FC in the summer and has quickly integrated into his new team. He played a key role in their run to the Durand Cup semi-final, starting in all four games while contributing a goal and an assist.
“You can win so many matches and tournaments when you play as a team. It’s all about mindset. If you think you’re from a small team and the other is a big team, it can affect your game and your result. We reached the semi-final of the Durand Cup. It was all about the mindset set by the head coach (Panagiotis Dilimperis). He motivated us before the game, pushed us, and made us believe that we’re always equal to everyone. That’s how we performed. Football is all about winning and losing,” he told IndianSuperLeague.com during Media Day in Kolkata.
Although Rai is a new addition to Punjab FC, he brings significant experience, having previously played for Mumbai City FC and Odisha FC in the ISL. At Mumbai City FC, the 26-year-old won both the Shield and the Cup. However, Rai is focused on the present and has set reaching the playoffs as his primary goal at his new club.
“We have ISL matches ahead, and each one is very important for us. Our collective goal is to qualify for the playoffs. We’ll see what happens in the semis or the final later. But we need to work hard to reach the playoffs and play as a team, not as individuals,” he stated.
