Opinion: Punjab FC need more time to settle in ISL

Punjab FC are languishing in the bottom half of the ISL table.

Punjab FC, the reigning I-League champions, have had a rather underwhelming start to their Indian Super League (ISL 2023-24) campaign, managing just two points in their first four games. After a triumphant season in the I-League, where they showcased their prowess, many expected them to make a strong debut in the ISL. However, their initial struggles suggest that they might need more time to settle into the rigors of India's top-tier football competition.

In their opening four fixtures, Punjab FC suffered a 3-1 defeat to Mohun Bagan, narrowly lost 1-0 to FC Goa, salvaged a 1-1 draw against NorthEast United FC at their home ground in Delhi, and came back with a point from the Furnace. While the results may not look promising, delving deeper into their performances reveals a team that is finding its footing in a new and highly competitive environment.

Season up until now; A tale of unfortunate refereeing decisions and character

In their encounters against Mohun Bagan and FC Goa, Punjab FC showcased resilience and character despite ending up on the losing side. Against a formidable Mohun Bagan side, they found themselves outmatched, yet they put up a brave performance. The scoreline doesn't tell the full story, as Punjab FC created opportunities that could have altered the outcome had they been converted.

The game against FC Goa at Fatorda Stadium displayed a marked improvement in their performance. They managed to find an equalizer, only for it to be wrongly disallowed due to an offside decision by the referee. In their third game as well, Punjab FC were at the receiving end of a wrong decision of the referee after Asheer Akhtar’s two footed challenge in the box on Luka Majcen went unnoticed.

In the away game against Jamshedpur, Punjab faced a formidable challenge as they went up against a highly organized opposition and had to contend with a spirited crowd backing the home team. Under these circumstances, Punjab were compelled to adopt a defensive strategy. Although they were outperformed in terms of raw talent, the team's resilience shone through, thanks in large part to the exceptional performances of goalkeeper Ravi Kumar and defender Melroy Assisi. Together, they thwarted numerous goal-scoring opportunities and managed to secure a hard-fought draw, denying Jamshedpur a victory.

Transition into the ISL: Loyalty vs Quality

Punjab FC's roster is primarily composed of the core players who played a crucial role in their previous successes in the I-League. These are the players who have helped the club make its way up the Indian football pyramid.

In an ideal world, it would be fair for these players, who contributed significantly to the team's promotion, to have the opportunity to play and represent Punjab FC in the Indian Super League (ISL). The management seemed to share a similar sentiment. However, the reality is that the level of quality required for the ISL is quite high, and despite their past achievements, the team still needed to enhance its overall quality.

During the summer transfer window, the club made limited investments in upgrading the squad for their debut season in the top division. Moreover, they didn't make any marquee signings, which indicates that the team chose to prioritize loyalty to its existing players over pursuing high-profile talent.

Settling into the pace of the ISL

One of the challenges faced by Punjab FC is the transition from the I-League to the ISL, which features a higher level of competition and a faster pace. The ISL is known for its physicality and the quality of foreign recruits, which can be daunting for players who have not previously experienced such a demanding environment.

The adaptation process for domestic players can take time especially when the players are inexperienced plying their trade in the top division. They must adjust to the increased pressure, pace, and intensity of the ISL. As the season progresses, we can expect these players to acclimatize better and contribute more significantly to the team's performance.

Coach's Dilemma: Finding the right combination

Coach Staikos Vergetis faced a challenging task of assembling his starting XI and finding the right combination of domestic as well as foreign players from the roster. However, the game against NorthEast United FC showed that the Greek head coach is closing in on the right combination.

In that game, Ravi Kumar started in goal, replacing Kiran Kumar Limbu and freeing up an overseas slot. Ravi Kumar proved to be an instant upgrade over the Nepali goalkeeper, who had a difficult start to his ISL career. Ravi impressed with his composed presence and his ability to use his feet effectively for clearing the ball, which was a significant highlight of his performance, alongside a penalty save in the first half.

The overseas slot vacated by Kiran Kumar Limbu was filled by summer signing Dimitros Chatziisaias, who made his first start in the ISL. Chatziisaias, partnered with Melroy in defence, contributed to the Punjab FC's solid defensive performance. Melroy, with Dimitros as his partner, gained better clarity regarding his role in the team and even managed to score a goal in the game.

Among the foreign contingent, Madih Talal, Juan Mera, and Luka Majcen are demonstrating great potential and appear to cement their positions as indispensable members of the squad.

However, Punjab FC are still a work in progress and are still finding the feet by addressing their shortcomings one by one. It should be noted that Punjab FC’s slow start should not overshadow their potential. They are a team in transition. With determination, hard work, and a commitment to their footballing philosophy, Punjab FC can look forward to a brighter future in the ISL.