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Panagiotis Dilmperis Outlines Key Strategies

Punjab FC Boss Panagiotis Dilmperis Outlines Key Strategies as Punjab FC Gear Up for Bengaluru FC Test

Samannay Sen

Published - Feb 26, 2026, 08:36 AM

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Punjab FC Boss Panagiotis Dilmperis Outlines Key Strategies as Punjab FC Gear Up for Bengaluru FC Test

Summary

No fresh injury concerns; only Ninthoinganba Meetei remains sidelined.
Punjab FC limited Jamshedpur FC to very few chances, conceding only from a cross.
Despite the loss, the team showed defensive solidity to build on.

After suffering an away setback against Jamshedpur FC in their ISL 2025-26 opener, Punjab FC will be determined to respond strongly when they face Sunil Chhetri and Bengaluru FC in their next assignment.

With a shortened ISL calendar this season, every fixture carries added weight in the race for the title, leaving little room for slip-ups. The Shers, however, can draw confidence from their impressive record against Bengaluru FC, including their memorable Super Cup triumph where they knocked out the Blues.

Speaking ahead of the crucial encounter, head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis and captain Dani Ramirez addressed the media in the pre-match press conference. The Greek tactician struck a confident and composed tone, outlining his side’s approach as they prepare for a high-stakes ISL clash. Let’s delve into the detailed thoughts shared by the Punjab FC boss.

No Injury Concerns

When asked whether injuries or fatigue were concerns within the squad ahead of the crucial clash against Bengaluru FC, Punjab FC head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis addressed the situation with calm assurance, offering clarity on his team’s fitness levels and overall preparedness going into the fixture.

Hopefully, there are no injured players at this moment, except Ninthoinganba Meetei, who probably injured his heel a month ago. But the rest of the players are healthy and we can use them.

Positives from First Game

A defeat in the opening game is never part of a coach’s plan, but it often serves as an early reality check. Identifying the shortcomings while also building on the positives becomes crucial at this stage of the season. When asked to reflect on the lessons from the loss to Jamshedpur FC, Punjab FC head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis shared his thoughts on encouraging signs.

“Oh, there were many positives, but I will mention just one, the opponent barely had a chance. It was an away game against a team that was the surprise package last season, a side that had secured numerous wins with almost the same squad. Apart from the cross that led to our defeat, they posed no real threat. There was no significant danger at the back, which was a very positive takeaway for us.”

Winning Formula vs Bengaluru FC

Although the Punjab FC head coach expressed immense respect for Bengaluru FC, he refused to label the away encounter as an intimidating challenge. The Greek tactician pointed out that football fans in India turn up in strong numbers, but the atmosphere remains sporting rather than hostile, often applauding quality football, even when it comes from the visiting side.

Confident in his squad’s mentality, the Punjab FC boss emphasized that external noise would not dictate their performance. He also shed light on his tactical approach for the crucial fixture, outlining the need for structure, discipline, and efficiency in key moments as his side aims to bounce back strongly.

“It all comes down to how we develop, both individually and as a team. The most important thing is that when situations become tough and challenges arise, we must respond by becoming stronger. I truly believe that if we adjust ourselves to our style of play, we can overcome difficulties. We have to set the tempo of the game and impose our own way of playing.”

Punjab FC will aim to break the deadlock at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium as they seek a return to winning ways and a crucial climb up the ISL league table. Facing Bengaluru FC on their home turf, the Shers know that a positive result could provide early momentum in what promises to be a tightly contested season.