Punjab FC were the first team to gain promotion to the Indian Super League last season and finished the season in eighth position. They narrowly missed the playoff spot last season and made it their aim to secure the playoffs this season.
The Shers under Panagiotis Dilmperis have made a perfect start to the ISL 2024-25 season. They defeated Kerala Blasters in their first game of the season in Kochi and on Friday, they defeated Odisha FC 2-1 at the JLN Stadium in Delhi. With two victories from two games, Punjab FC have made the perfect start to the season, securing six points from their first two games.
Punjab FC also had a decent run in the 133rd edition of the Durand Cup, where they lost in the quarter-finals to eventual finalists Mohun Bagan Super Giants in penalties.
Panagiotis has installed a variety of free-flowing football in the squad where they aim to attack and play attacking football irrespective of the opponents. They did have some issues at the beginning of the season losing their star player from last season to a rival club. They also had wholesome changes in the backroom staff at the club.
But, all said and done they managed to be smart in the transfer market and signed quality players like Nihal and Vinit Rai. They also made some shrewd foreign signings in the form of Bakenga Namugunga, Ezequiel Vidal (Pulga Vidal), Filip Mrzljak, and Ivan Novoselec.
They lost their influential skipper Luka Mjacen in the first game due to an injury which will see the striker be out for six to eight weeks.
Panagiotis and Punjab FC though didn’t look moved by the absence of their star player. They went out with full force and played an attacking brand of football which took Odisha FC by surprise. Also, Panagiotis’ substitutes in both games have been spot on as they have played influential roles in securing the victory in these two games. It was also the first time Punjab FC defeated Odisha FC in the ISL.
A wonderkid named Nihal Sudeesh
Nihal Sudeesh has been Punjab FC’s top performer in these first two games. Nihal has won the man of the match award in both the games, and he was undoubtedly the best player on the pitch for Punjab FC.
Punjab FC signed Nihal this season on loan from Kerala Blasters and the lad from Kerala showed his parent-side what a blunder they did by letting him go in the previous game. Kerala Blasters decided to keep Rahul KP and let Nihal Sudeesh leave, a decision that the Tuskers might regret making.
The way Nihal opened up his body and curled the ball into the net showed the type of talent he has in him. He also hit the post in the second half after receiving a good ball from Ricky.
Punjab FC will hope Nihal keeps performing like in the remainder of the season.
Sergio Lobera needs to go back to the drawing board.
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Odisha FC have a terrible start to the 2024-25 ISL season. They lost their opening game at home against Chennaiyin FC, and today they lost their second game against Punjab FC. No one expected Punjab FC to defeat Odisha FC, but the way Odisha FC played they should not have any doubts as to why they lost the game.
Free-flowing, passing football has been a signature of sides coached by Sergio Lobera but the same was not visible today. They failed to control the midfield and didn’t utilize the wings properly. Roy Krishna and Diego Mauricio hardly had any support upfront and were deprived of service from the midfield.
Hugo Boumous did score a late consolation goal for the Juggernauts today but overall had a poor game. His link-up and combination with his teammates was poor. Not starting with Ahmed Jahouh could also be a factor for Odisha FC’s poor midfield play today.
Mourtada Fall, someone who has been Lobera’s trusted general in defence, was poor today and didn’t look to be the same player that Indian football fans know him to be.
With today’s defeat, Sergio Lobera has lost his last three games and this will surely mount pressure on the Spanish coach to get his act together as soon as possible.
Sergio Lobera will need to go back to the drawing board and sort out the combination of players he wants to play soon or else Odisha FC could be in more trouble.
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