CHANDIGARH: Three days after the 1-3 loss to I-League table toppers Gokulam Kerala FC, RoundGlass Punjab FC have their task cut out when they take the field against the same opponents in their first match of the championship phase at the Kalyani Municipal Stadium in Bengal on Saturday.
Both sides faced off earlier this week on Tuesday, where the Malabarians ran out winners. Ahead of Saturday’s clash, RoundGlass Punjab FC find themselves at the third spot on the standings – three points behind Mohammedan SC and seven behind Gokulam Kerala FC.
Speaking at the pre-match presser, Punjab FC head coach Ed Engelkes said he wants to use the rematch as an advantage. “We have taken out pointers from the last match, discussed them, and given feedback to the players. We play the same opponent in quick succession, and it will be a challenge again as they are a good team.”
“We know their strengths and weaknesses, and know that we must execute our plans better. We are well-prepared, the players are really looking forward to it, and I feel confident ahead of the match,” he added.
Engelkes wants to approach every game as a final. “We have played only six matches since I took over. We have had good results but are at the beginning stage of the development. We have to be better in the upcoming games and we want to take each match as a final,” he said.
He added, “In the second phase, we will play against the league's best teams and want to make the most of each game and have as many points as possible. In the end, we will see whether it is enough. It is vital to be prepared and invest full effort for each match.”
Punjab FC goalkeeper Jaspreet Singh said the team is taking one game at a time and looking to accomplish the targets it has set for itself.
“We are focused on the upcoming game and have been working hard in training to prepare. The mood in the team is positive and it is important to give our best in the remaining six matches,” he said.
Meanwhile, Gokulam Kerala head coach Vincenzo Annese admits that the opponents can put them into difficult situations. “They have quality players. One of their main players, Beitia, always likes to control the game. We have to be responsible. We have to be focused physically and mentally to play against such opposition,” he said.
The current top scorer in the tournament Luka Majcen, feels the boys have gelled together and are looking forward to the championship round.
“In this season, I wanted to compete with myself. This is all on the side and in the case of Phase 2, nothing changes as we are playing the same opponents we faced earlier. With each match, we faced different situations that suggest we can adapt to any situation,” the striker mentioned.
