Kolkata, April 11: Mohun Bagan SG are set to play their eighth fixture of the ongoing Indian Super League against Punjab FC tomorrow at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan from 7:30 PM.
After kicking off their title-defending league campaign on a high note, Mohun Bagan SG have recently slowed their pace. In the last three matches, the Mariners have dropped points, as they drew against Bengaluru, then lost to Mumbai City, and drew their last match again against Jamshedpur FC. They now stand fourth with 14 points. On the other hand, Punjab FC are seventh on the points table with 11 points, having positive results on their last three matches, with one draw and two wins.
In the Mohun Bagan SG squad, there are no major injury concerns, but Apuia, who got injured during Thursday’s training session, is under medical surveillance and is not available for the match. He has also received four yellow cards, so as per the rules, even if he were fit, tomorrow’s game would not be for Apuia. Otherwise, in the pre-match session, the team trained for 45 minutes with situational practice and team tactics. In the Punjab FC squad, there are no card issues, but Nikhil Prabhu did not come to Kolkata as he is not fit. However, Pablo is with the team and has overcome his injury.
Regarding the strong opponent in the league, Panagiotis is highly focused on his team and on what Punjab FC are going to do tomorrow. While losing crucial points, Lobera is not calculating the ultimate points tally but is only focused on how the Mariners can collect three points from tomorrow’s match.
Sergio Lobera is being very honest and direct here, before the crucial clash, he accepts that the team’s recent performance is not good. Losing points and one goal in the last three games is clearly not enough. At the same time, he still believes strongly in his squad. He even stated he has the best team in the league, which shows his confidence in the players. He trusts them to bounce back. According to him, strong teams are not the ones who only play well, but the ones who handle difficult moments. He believes this tough phase can decide whether they become champions. And about the matches, his focus is clear, the next match is very important, and the team must stay focused for the remaining games.
Panagiotis Dilmperis is staying calm and focused before the clash. His message is clear and simple, he is not worried about their opponent’s home advantage or their results. His full focus is on his own team, how they play and what they need to do. He believes his team has been performing well in most matches. He feels they have usually played better than their opponents and have not had many poor performances. This gives confidence to the team. He also sees this match as a big chance. Since they are around mid-table a win can prove that the team is in good form and improving
As the Shers’ journey in the Indian Super League is short, they are in their second season, the two head-to-head meetings show dominance in Mohun Bagan SG’s favour. However, in this competitive time, where every team is hungry, the match is going to be intense, as Mohun Bagan SG are eager to get back to the top, while Punjab will aim to stay on the title-winning track.
Mohun Bagan SG vs Punjab FC full Pre Match Press Conference
Matches will be live on Sony Liv and streaming on Fancode.
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