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Following Sreenidi Deccan’s 2-0 win over Rajasthan United on Sunday, the Deccan Warriors have built a three-point advantage over RoundGlass Punjab FC, and in the I-League 2022-23 title race, the ball will be again in the court of Staikos Vergetis’ side, who will take on the 2016-17 Champions Aizawl FC at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium on Monday, February 13, 2023, with kickoff slated for 4:30pm IST.
Addressing the media at the pre-match press conference, RoundGlass Punjab head coach Staikos Vergetis dismissed any title-race pressure. “There’s no additional pressure. You need to be prepared for each game. You cannot be completely relaxed before any game but you cannot be anxious or nervous either. You have to balance it, and that is what I am doing. It is something I try to translate into my players,” said the Greek.
After dropping points against relegation-zone occupants Mumbai Kenkre and Sudeva Delhi, RoundGlass Punjab went on to register a 2-1 victory against defending champions Gokulam Kerala in Kozhikode. It was a win which has kept them neck-to-neck with the leaders. “Those were very important points for our title charge. Now we have to be focused and get three more points in our next game against a very good team,” Vergetis said.
On their opponent’s, he added, “I like Aizawl and their style of play. They have many good players.”
Vergetis went on to praise the state of Mizoram which has produced many great footballers. “In football, the boys from this region have a good mentality. I have seen Mizo players in different clubs. They are all fighters. They have high energy, are disciplined and have a lot of respect. I am very happy to be working with such players in our team.”
The Mizo outfit Aizawl FC are in fine form, having won their previous two home games. The Reds’ only defeat at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium came back in November against Gokulam Kerala. Caetano Pinho’s side, who currently sit sixth on the table, will look to finish the season strong and as high as possible.
The Aizawl head coach believes his team’s determination is the reason for their recent success. “Our players have been showing great character in the last few matches. We are ready to put on an impressive performance and show the fans that we play for them, and can win matches for them,” he said.
Talking about their opponents, Pinho said, “RoundGlass Punjab are title contenders. They are a good team with good players and a good coach.”
“We want to play good football and play with a purpose and win matches for our fans and for ourselves,” Pinho added.
The match between Aizawl FC and RoundGlass Punjab FC will be broadcasted live on Eurosport and Doordarshan Sports and streamed live on the Discovery Plus OTT platform at 4:30pm IST.
