Staikos Vergetis rejects contract extension with Punjab FC; Club announce departure

The Shers won their maiden I-League under Staikos’ tutelage

Punjab FC have announced the departure of their Greek head coach, Staikos Vergetis, after a successful two-year tenure. Vergetis, who was instrumental in guiding Punjab FC to its maiden I-League title in the 2022-23 season and securing the club’s historic promotion to the Indian Super League (ISL), has chosen not to extend his contract with the club. 

The club in it’s statement today announced the departure of Staikos and his coaching staff which read, “Punjab FC announces that they have parted ways with head coach Staikos Vergetis, assistant coach Dimitrios Kakkos and Strength and Conditioning coach Nikolaos Tsagkatis. The club thanks them for their service in the past two seasons and wishes them the very best in their future endeavors.”

CLUB STATEMENTPunjab FC announces the departure of Staikos Vergetis, Dimitrios Kakkos and Nikolaos Tsagkatakis.#PFC pic.twitter.com/eNED6Ud8ZU

— Punjab FC (@RGPunjabFC) June 12, 2024

Vergetis’s tenure at Punjab FC was marked by remarkable achievements and notable progress. Taking charge of the club in 2022, he swiftly transformed Punjab FC into a formidable force in Indian football. In his first season, the club tasted success when he led the club to its first-ever I-League title, a feat that ensured their promotion to the ISL, the top tier of Indian football. 

In their debut ISL season, Punjab FC, under Vergetis’s guidance, displayed commendable resilience and competitiveness. Despite the challenges of playing with an inexperienced team as well as competing against more established teams, the club finished just three points shy of a playoff spot, ending the campaign in the 8th position. 

Staikos rejected contract proposals: Sources

Following the conclusion of the ISL season, Punjab FC offered Vergetis a contract extension. However, according to sources, both parties were unable to reach an agreement on the terms of the new contract. “Contract extension was offered to Staikos after the conclusion of the ISL season. However, the club and the coach couldn’t agree on the specifics and decided to mend their ways,” a source revealed.

The story between Staikos and Punjab FC is history and the club will now embark on the search for a new head coach who can build on the foundation laid by Vergetis and continue the club’s upward trajectory in Indian football. Meanwhile, Vergetis’s next move remains to be seen, but his success at Punjab FC will undoubtedly make him a sought-after figure in the Indian coaching market.

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