Punjab FC head coach Staikos Vergetis expressed his satisfaction with their first point of the season as they played to a 1-1 draw against NorthEast United FC in their third match of the Indian Super League (ISL) Season 2023-24 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on Friday.

After two consecutive defeats in their inaugural ISL season, Punjab FC secured their first point when Melroy Melwin Assisi equalized after Parthib Gogoi had given NorthEast United FC the lead just before half-time. Gogoi scored immediately after Romain Philippoteaux's penalty was denied by Punjab FC's goalkeeper, Ravi Kumar.

“We have to analyze the game. As I said before, we have to identify the reasons why the team didn't perform well in the first half. We'll work on the field and at the training centre every day to help the team improve and address their weaknesses,” stated Vergetis in the post-match press conference.

The Shers open their tally and earn a hard-fought point against The Highlanders. A huge boost for the team morale as we move into the international break 🧡🦁#PFCNEU #PunjabDaJosh #PFC pic.twitter.com/76hC1uirhp

— Punjab FC (@RGPunjabFC) October 6, 2023

The Greek tactician mentioned that things could've gone worse in the first half, but he is really happy to see how his players made a comeback in the second half and earned their first point in the league.

“We cannot ignore the fact that the opponent team missed a penalty and hit the post before scoring their goal. We could have been 2-0 behind (in the first-half). But in the second-half, the effort was so great from our team. (We launched) many attacks, (our players) fought a lot for the second goal, (but) it didn't come. Let's say that (the final result) is fair,” said the head coach.

Assisi scored his first goal wearing the Punjab FC shirt, and it was his goal that earned them their first point. Vergetis concluded the conference by praising the defender and calling for a similar approach from the other players.

“In the second (half) he (Assisi) started to take individual initiatives and actions. He started to go more in one against one and he offered some very dangerous moments in the attack. Are the rest of the wingers to do similar things? Of course. The offensive midfielders have to participate more in the attacking third because they are doing excellent work in the first two-thirds, but in the attacking third we need more participation,” he said.