Punjab FC unveils jersey

Punjab FC, the only club from North India to feature in the football league, have announced their 26-member squad for the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) season and unveiled their jersey. This will be their second season after being promoted to the ISL last year. The side is scheduled to open its campaign against Kerala Blasters on September 15 in Kochi and will play their first home game on September 20 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi.

“We are well prepared this year to find a place among the top six. We have a better team, better tactics and better opportunity this season,” said football director, Nikolaos Topoliatis. When asked about the challenges he faced in the last four years and response from Punjab players as the state has a little representation in their junior and senior teams, Topoliatis said they were working on a long-term plan. “We don’t believe in short-term plans. Our academies are doing a good job, and we are training young players to get them prepared for the senior squad. We are expecting a good batch of players from Punjab in the coming years,” replied Topoliatis. The side is yet to find a home ground in Punjab and will play their home matches in New Delhi.

“It’s a big challenge, but again our management is very supportive. We are preparing some facilities here, and hopefully will soon have our own ground to play home matches,” he added.

Head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis said, “We have named a squad that can challenge the top teams in the league this season. The foreign signings have plenty of experience and we have an exciting pool of Indian players.”