Churchill Brothers FC:<\/b> Punjab FC head coach Pavlos Dermitzakis believes his side\u2019s habit of scoring late reflects their character, and expects further improvement as they travel to Goa for their Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 clash against newcomers Churchill Brothers on Sunday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Punjab have taken four points from their opening two games and are yet to lose, but it is the timing of their goals that has stood out.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Both matches were settled at the death. Raphael Messi Bouli, who had scored in the opening minute against Odisha FC, struck again in the fifth minute of stoppage time to seal a 2-1 win, before Gurkirat Singh\u2019s 90th-minute header against his former club earned a 1-1 draw with Mumbai City FC.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cScoring in the dying minutes shows that we are a team with strength and power. It shows our character and mentality, and it proves that we are a team that simply refuses to lose,\u201d Dermitzakis said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Greek coach traced those late goals back to preparation and to his bench. \u201cCrucial to this is the tactical part and the players who come in as substitutes, who have a specific purpose when they enter the match,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Tactical balance and defensive organisation<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With three goals scored and two conceded, Dermitzakis likes the balance he is seeing. \u201cGenerally, we are a team built on balance. I am satisfied because we are producing chances and scoring in every game, and I am satisfied with our defensive organisation,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Neither goal against Punjab came from open play. Odisha\u2019s equaliser was headed in from a corner and Mumbai\u2019s came from the penalty spot, and the coach said set pieces are being worked on in training.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Cautious approach and squad updates<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Churchill Brothers have already shown their threat. They beat Mumbai City 2-1 on their ISL debut before losing 4-0 at home to defending champions East Bengal, but Dermitzakis does not expect that defeat to weigh on them.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIn the ISL, a previous victory or defeat does not affect the psychology or performance for the next game that much,\u201d he said. \u201cChurchill Brothers are an enthusiastic team new to the ISL. We will try to take advantage of the moments when we find them unready, but we need to be very cautious.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Midfielder Micka\u00ebl Malsa, the former Levante player who signed in September, has been included in the squad. \u201cHe is a true professional who works every single day to be 100 per cent ready,\u201d Dermitzakis said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Defender Patrick Bahanack is in the return-to-play phase after a minor injury and will not be hurried back. \u201cWhenever we have an injury, we never rush,\u201d the coach said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Midfielder Micka\u00ebl Malsa, the former Levante player who signed in September, has been included in the squad. \u201cHe is a true professional who works every single day to be 100 per cent ready,\u201d Dermitzakis said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Also Read: <\/b> Special Cricket Stories<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n