Punjab FC head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis remained hopeful about his team’s playoff chances despite their 3-0 loss to Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the Indian Super League (ISL) on Wednesday.

Punjab FC held Mohun Bagan Super Giant for much of the first half and even had a golden opportunity but a minute later, the Mariners punished the visitors as Jamie Maclaren struck in the 56th minute. The home side doubled their lead in the 63rd minute through Liston Colaco and Maclaren sealed the victory in the 90th.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Dilmperis acknowledged the challenge of facing the league leaders but stressed that the route to playoffs is not over yet.

“No, no. Since the maths allows us to hope, we should follow it. I don’t think in the schedule of this season these one or three points were we were counting on then. But I cannot say the same thing for the next game," he said.

Dilmperis reflected on the turning point of the game and the reason for the loss, explaining, " When you are holding the huge Mohun Bagan Super Giant for 56 minutes without chance and suddenly you have the opportunity to score and lead the game, then confidence drops, concentration drops, and then you start doing mistakes. I think this is the reason."

Punjab FC had shown resilience in their previous matches, particularly in their game against Bengaluru FC, where they managed to come back from a goal down and win. Dilmperis noted the difference between the two performances.

"I mean, with Bengaluru FC, we managed to score directly after the 0-1. We had the penalty, and we managed to tie the game. So it’s totally different. On the other hand, in this game, we didn’t manage to score. Mohun Bagan Super Giant scored, and then they have also a second goal. So then it’s hard," he said.

As the game slipped away, Dilmperis made substitutions to manage the squad. "And since the game looked lost, we have to protect the team by making, changing formation, making some subs for players that they were really tired or they are on the limit about the yellow cards," he said.

Dilmperis also praised the opposition, recognizing their individual talent and tactical execution. "I think I should be fair that they look a really good team, but the greatest thing that they have is the quality. They have a huge quality," he admitted.

Punjab FC will look to regroup against Odisha FC on February 10.