Staikos Vergetis hints Luka Majcen, Wilmar Jordan can play together in future

Staikos Vergetis also spoke about the difference between I-League and ISL.

Punjab FC have travelled to Chennai for their fifth game of the season. After having suffered back to back loses in the first two games in the Indian Super League, the Shers have scored a point each in their third and fourth game against NorthEast United and Jamshedpur FC. 

The reigning I-League champions take on another struggling side in Chennai who have culminated a point more than the Shers. After three back to back losses, the Marina Machans won their game against Hyderabad FC away from home.

On the eve of the fixture, Punjab FC head coach Staikos Vergetis and defender Melroy Assisi spoke to the media. Here are the excerpts.

If Luka Majcen and Willmar Jordan can play together

Punjab FC signed former NorthEast United forward Wilmar Jordan Gil in the summer. When questioned if both the star strikers Luka Majcen and Wilmar Jordan can play together, the head coach answered positively, “Yes, they can play together. Jordan came very late, in the last phase of our pre-season. After that he had not too much but a little time out because of a small injury. And he's now getting better and better to come to the games. That's why we have not tried this until now. But maybe at one moment it is one option that we have in our mind.”

Differences between I-League and ISL

Punjab FC leapfrogged the I-League last season with 52 points in 22 games. However, up until now the champions of the second division have been finding their feet in the new environment. Speaking on the differences between both the leagues the Greek head coach said, “I believe that the great difference between the two divisions is the speed, the pace of the game. In ISL there are a lot of transition games. Many times one team who is defending is much faster than it was in I-League. Our team tried to adapt to this situation at a good level.”

He further went on and quipped, “We have difficulties in some games, especially in the first halves, but in the second halves we are going better as a team. Our players seem to try to be competitive and adapt in this situation. We have many players who have never played in the ISL. We have players who have played a little in the ISL. That's why they need their time. They are in a good mood and very much available to learn, to educate in the training and this gives me the hope of their development.”

On Chennaiyin FC’s defensive woes

Chennaiyin FC did keep a clean-sheet in the previous game but they conceded eight goals in the three games before that. When questioned whether he has found a weakness in his opponents, Staikos Vergetis mentioned, “I believe that each game when it starts, writes its history at that moment. What has happened in the past, that moment does not exist. In the field is written the history of each game, the time that it is played.

"I'm sure that they have seen their weaknesses and they will try to correct them. It's obvious and normal, we have seen the key points that we have to take advantage of, and we'll see in the field if we'll take this advantage or not,” he added.

Melroy’s comments

Defender Melroy Assisi who has been rock solid for the Shers gave his thoughts about the season up until now and stated, ”In the first game, it was... we played as one of us because a lot of players were having their debuts. So, the first two games were difficult, but now I think we are getting to the level.”