Hope to solidify our defence more effectively: Staikos Vergetis

Staikos Vergetis also shared his view on refereeing in ISL.

Punjab FC take on NorthEast United in their first home game of the season on Friday at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi. Punjab FC are plying their trade from Delhi as Tau Devi Lal Stadium which was club’s home ground in the I-League last season failed to tick off the necessary criteria being laid down for holding Indian Super League (ISL) games.

On the eve of the fixture, Punjab FC head coach Staikos Vergetis spoke to the media. Below are the excerpts:

Playing home game in Delhi and NorthEast threat

The Greek head coach shared his views on the upcoming game and quoted, “We are very excited and hope to provide some good moments in the stadium. We promise to deliver a lot of happiness to our fans, to the people of Punjab and to our families. We have to take the home advantage tomorrow and try to find our first victory. We are expecting a very difficult game against NorthEast tomorrow. We hope to solidify our defense more effectively than the previous matches.”

Views on Amarjit, Samuel Lyngdoh and Kipgen 

Staikos Vergetis is excited to work with the midfield trio of Amarjit Singh, Samuel Lyngdoh and India U-19 international Manthenlang Kipgen. He quipped, “We have the positive part to have Amarjit. He and Samuel Lyngdoh returned and also Kipgen after the India U-19 side had a successful tournament. I love these youngsters. I work with these youngsters. I'm very happy to work with our young players, Indian players. And one day when I leave India, I would like to leave behind some players more ready to take the career in their hands.”

He further went on and quoted, “These youngsters are a challenge for us. We have to improve them and one day see them in the senior national team.”

On refereeing decision costing the FC Goa game

When questioned about the refereeing decision that went against his side in the previous game, Vergetis replied with utmost maturity and stated, “The referees can make mistakes, as can a player or a coach. The mistakes are a part of football, so the referees are included in this. I don't want to speak about the referees because it looks like excuses. When your team finishes one game, loses or wins it, you have to focus on your work.”

In addition to the above, he mentioned, “ I don't want to be a coach who protests all the time. I don't want to be a coach who cries because of losing a game for a referee's mistakes. (In doing so) I look weak to my players. We should let referees do their job and accept that mistakes are part of football.”