Will prepare for this game mentally first, asserts Punjab FC head coach Staikos Vergetis ahead of Jamshedpur FC clash

Ricky Shabong shared about the atmosphere currently in Punjab FC dressing room.

Punjab FC are in high spirits after back to back wins against Bengaluru FC and Kerala Blasters FC. The Shers now face Jamshedpur FC at home, who have been in very good form ever since the appointment of Khalid Jamil.

The upcoming fixture will be important for both the sides as their aspirations for the play-offs position will be determined with each passing game and every game not won will serve as a diminishing opportunity for both the sides.

Head coach Staikos Vergetis and player Ricky Shabong spoke to the media on behalf of Punjab FC on the eve of the fixture.

Thoughts on unbeaten run

The Shers are unbeaten in 4 ISL games winning 3 out of those. He shared his thoughts and stated, “I am satisfied that our players have executed the plans successfully which makes me more happy than the win. This is the most important for me because at this high level you have to be tactical and we are doing that properly and I am expecting the same attitude tomorrow against an in-form opponent.”

Team focus amidst fixture congestion

Apart from two back-to-back wins, Punjab FC are playing their third league game in the span of 10 days and amidst all the fixture congestion Staikos believes that demanding consistency can be achieved by balancing the feelings in the group is what he strives for as a coach. Sharing his opinion, “It’s not difficult if you have balance in your feelings. I have said before that my main concept of my mentality in football is balance in the feelings.”

In addition to that he said, “Don’t fly to the sky after winning games. Don’t fall on the floors after losing games. You have to have balance. Now, we concentrate to the next game. Next game, Punjab, Jamshedpur, and we have to be concentrating on this. Nothing more.”

On Jamshedpur FC

The Greek coach took notice of Jamshedpur’s recent performance under Khalid Jamil and believes that his team will be mentally ready before the big game.

He quoted by saying, “It’s true that after the coming of the new coach, Jamshedpur would have done well in the field. First of all, they have one very good and aggressive style of game and very fast transitions. We have to be very careful in this. We appreciate and respect the opponent and his advantages. We will analyze them to our players today. We will prepare for this game mentally first and after by playing.”

Ricky Shabong’s comments

Midfielder Ricky Shabong spoke about the atmosphere in the dressing room and commented that the team is in high spirits. He  remarked, “I was training well in spite of not getting much chances in the first half of the season but I was ready to take the chances when the coach put me in the middle. The atmosphere in the dressing room has been positive after the two wins and we will hope to keep the momentum going and secure all three points against Jamshedpur.”

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