We have to be careful of Jamshedpur FC: Punjab FC's Staikos Vergetis
Punjab FC head coach Staikos Vergetis shared his thoughts ahead of their next match against Jamshedpur FC.
Punjab FC head coach Staikos Vergetis expressed confidence in his team's ability to maintain their winning streak as they face Jamshedpur FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on Thursday.
Punjab FC, under the guidance of Coach Staikos Vergetis, experienced a slow start to their debut ISL season, securing just one victory in their initial 10 matches. However, the team has recently found formidable form, clinching three wins in their last four encounters. Two consecutive victories have propelled them to the 9th position in the league table with 14 points from 14 matches.
Vergetis commended his players for adhering to the team's tactical plan and working cohesively.
"Firstly, I am satisfied not so much with the results, but for the fact that our players executed (the game plan) well in the field in the four phases of the game, whatever we have prepared. This is the most important for me because if it happens in every game then most of the games will be positive results. The performance has to be at a high level but within the tactical plan, if they are doing this, we are going well. This is what gave me happiness and satisfaction and I am looking for the same from them in tomorrow's difficult game (on Thursday)," he said in the pre-match press conference.
After two consecutive victories, The #Shers will be back home tomorrow to take on the Red Miners 💪#PunjabDaJosh #PFC #PFCJFC pic.twitter.com/3Q9JsEokWs
— Punjab FC (@RGPunjabFC) February 14, 2024
Punjab FC's opponents, Jamshedpur FC, led by head coach Khalid Jamil, have also experienced a resurgence with 14 points from 15 matches. The team remains unbeaten in the league since Jamil assumed control, securing a victory and two draws. Vergetis acknowledged the improvements in Jamshedpur FC since Jamil's appointment and the strengths they possess.
"Yes, it's true that after the coming of the new coach, Jamshedpur FC have done well on the field. First of all, they have one very good and aggressive style of game and very fast transitions. We have to be very careful of this and we appreciate and respect the opponent‘s advantages. We will analyse their players and we will prepare for this game mentally first then after by playing," he said.
Midfielder Madih Talal has been instrumental in Punjab FC's revival, having been granted the license to operate behind Wilmar Jordan Gil and Luka Majcen within a newly implemented system. Contributing significantly to Punjab FC's recent success, Talal has consistently made an impact by either scoring goals or providing assists in the team's last three victories, tallying two goals and three assists in these matches. Vergetis conveyed his satisfaction with Talal's adaptation to the new role.
"I think that we changed that formation for many reasons, one of them was liberty to Talal but there are priorities, there are two reasons more-Important that we did this and I can see it goes well. What I had in my mind before I did it, has given a good result for this change. I saw this happen but during the last two games, we were forced to change our formation and add players from the bench who did excellent work and helped the team. Don't forget the winning (streak) came after the entrance of the players from the bench. It is very important for me," the Greek tactician explained.
Vergetis also offered a message to Punjab FC fans. He said: "My message to the fans is what I ask the players to offer them, maximum effort, 100%. Give your 100%, I say to our players. And I say to our fans I can not promise to win (every game). One never knows what will happen in football but I can promise that our players will fight 100% for this."
I kept myself ready to play: Ricky Shabong
21-year-old midfielder Ricky Shabong accompanied Vergetis in the pre-match press conference. Having arrived at the club during the summer transfer window from Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Ricky hasn't been a regular feature in this season's matches. During the conference, Ricky shared insights into how he remained prepared and poised for action whenever his presence was required on the field.
"I didn't play much in the first half of this season but I was training well and kept myself ready to play and when the coach changed the formation and wanted to play me in the middle, I was ready. It feels good to continue with the team, under the coach's plans," he said.
The youngster also spoke about high spirits among the players and the current atmosphere in the camp.
"After winning back-to-back matches I think the team's atmosphere inside and outside has totally changed. Now we have to keep this momentum up and fight for the three points," he concluded.