Panaji
Punjab FC will face FC Goa on Wednesday in a crucial Indian Super League clash at the Fatorda Stadium. With a strong start to the season, the team is looking to continue its momentum. Ahead of the match, Punjab FC’s head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis and key defender Ivan Novoselec spoke with The Goan to share their insights on the team’s preparations, goals, and mentality.
Punjab FC has impressed many with their solid performance so far, winning four out of their first five matches. For defender Ivan Novoselec, the team’s early success is a result of hard work and preparation. "I’m happy with how we’ve started," he said. "We’ve had four wins and one loss, but we want to keep this momentum going. A lot of people were surprised by our strong start, but we know there’s a long way to go. We’re just getting started, and we’ll show that we’re bigger than what others think."
Despite the strong beginning, Novoselec and the team are clear on their goal: winning every match. "We don’t care about how teams play against other clubs," he explained. "We focus on how teams play against us. We want them to adapt to us. We press them and make sure we take all three points."
Head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis echoed Novoselec’s sentiments, sharing his satisfaction with the team’s start but emphasizing the importance of consistency. "I’m really happy with our start. Four wins from five games is exactly what I wanted," Dilmperis said. However, he was quick to remind everyone that this is just the beginning. "We take it one game at a time. Our mentality is clear”we want to win every game, and the team is fully committed to that goal."
This season is particularly important for Dilmperis, as it marks his first year coaching in India. "The start is 50% of everything. It’s crucial because we are a new team with many young players, academy graduates, and five new foreign players. Our coaching staff is also new. A strong start gives us confidence and helps us adapt to the league’s demands."
Punjab FC's next challenge comes in the form of FC Goa, a team known for their attacking prowess and solid gameplay. Dilmperis acknowledged the difficulty of the upcoming match but remained confident. "Goa is a good team with a great coach and experienced players," he said. "They know what they’re doing, both in attack and defense. It’s their home game, so they’ll have the advantage of the crowd. It won’t be easy, but we have our plan, and we believe we can make it."
Novoselec also stressed the importance of preparation, saying, "We do a lot of analysis on our opponents. Our goal is to make FC Goa adapt to us, not the other way around."
A key player in Punjab FC’s rise has been their captain, Luka Majcen. Dilmperis praised the Slovenian striker for his leadership both on and off the field. "Luka is invaluable. He knows ISL football better than anyone," said Dilmperis. "His commitment to Punjab FC is incredible, and he plays a big role in guiding the team."
While Punjab FC will miss a few players due to injury, Dilmperis has full confidence in his squad’s depth. "We have 22 players who can all make a difference," he said. "I trust every single one of them, and I’m sure those coming in will do a great job."
When asked about other strong teams like Bengaluru FC and Jamshedpur FC, Dilmperis made it clear that his focus remains solely on Punjab FC. "I don’t care about other teams. I only focus on my own team and how we play," he said. "We take each game as a challenge, whether it’s against Goa, Mumbai, or anyone else. Our goal is simple”win every match."
Despite playing most of their matches away this season, Dilmperis remains optimistic about the experience. "It’s the most beautiful thing to play in full stadiums with passionate fans," he said. "We won in Kerala, and I really enjoyed the experience. Playing away is part of our reality, and we embrace it."
