ISL 2023-24: Satisfied with how we executed the gameplan: Punjab FC’s Staikos Vergetis after 3-1 win against Kerala Blasters FC

Punjab FC head coach Staikos Vergetis was happy with how his players executed the gameplan in their convincing win of 3-1 against Kerala Blasters FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi in the 15th match week of the Indian Super League on Monday.

Montenegrin centre-back Milos Drincic scored the opening goal for the Yellow Tuskers in the 39th minute. However, Wilmar Jordan equalized for the Shers before the half-time break as he scored in the 42nd minute.

The Colombian striker scored his second of the game and gave a 2-1 lead to his team as he found the back of the net in the 61st minute. Luka Majcen then put the game to bed as he converted from the spot kick.

“I feel very satisfied because the players are executing the gameplan at a very high level as we had prepared this game,” he said at the post-match press conference.

“I think our players step on the field with more confidence. They have now played a certain number of games in the ISL which they had never played before. That has given them experience which is very useful,” he added.

The Greek manager feels the tactical tweaks are helping the team in turning the tables in the second phase of the tournament.

“I changed the formation as I wanted the team to be more dangerous in attack,” Vergetis said.

“In the previous formation, we weren’t threatening the opponent team too much. I gave Madih Talal the liberty to move behind the strikers. This gave us the opportunity to be more dangerous,” he added.

Vergetis hailed Wilmar Jordan Gil for continuing to work hard and making a stellar comeback after injury.

“Wilmar Jordan Gil suffered a lot. It’s difficult to stay out of training and the games,” he said.

“What makes me happy is that he insisted on working. Everyone supported him. Now that he is in good condition, he has shown his capacity,” he added.

Punjab FC will next face Jamshedpur FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Delhi on Thursday.