Indian Super League: Punjab FC extend head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis’ contract until 2027
by Devesh Jaganath | by Devesh Jaganath
Dilmperis pens new deal with Punjab FC
The 2024-25 Indian Super League season was one of the best in the league’s history, as it delivered fierce battles and saw Mohun Bagan Super Giant produce a memorable campaign in which they secured the domestic double, lifting the ISL Shield and Cup.
However, MBSG was not the only team in the ISL to make major progress this term - Punjab FC, under the guidance of head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis, continued to establish itself as a proper contender in their second full season in the top flight.
The Shers suffered major setbacks with injuries to players, but finished in 10th place in the league standings with 28 points. The highlight of their season, though, was reaching the quarter-final of the Kalinga Super Cup.
As a result, the club opted earlier this week to hand Dilmperis a contract extension until 2027, rewarding the Greek tactician for his part in a solid season and for the strong progress he has made behind the scenes in reaching key milestones.
One of the most notable improvements the 50-year-old has pioneered was the strides made in the club’s youth development, for which they received the award as the Best Elite Youth Program for the 2024-25 season. In an interview following his contract extension, Dilmperis said:
“I’m honoured to continue this exciting journey with Punjab FC. I want to sincerely thank Punjab FC for trusting me and giving me the opportunity to be part of Indian football. It has been a rewarding experience working with such talented and hardworking players. I believe Indian football has immense potential, and I’m proud to contribute to its growth through our work at Punjab FC.”
The Shers fielded the youngest squad in the league with an average age of 25 years and 216 days last term, while nine players were drafted into the senior team and six went on to make their top-flight debut under Dilmperis.
Punjab FC players earn national team call-ups
In addition to retaining the services of Dilmperis for the foreseeable future, Punjab also handed new deals to the Greek manager’s entire coaching staff, including assistant coaches Konstantinos Katsaras and Ioannis Papaioannou.
Punjab’s coaching team have worked tirelessly to develop their young squad, and their efforts were certainly not in vain, as two of their brightest prospects, Abhishek Singh and Nikhil Prabhu, both earned their maiden call-ups to the Indian national team this month.
Unfortunately for the Blue Tigers, they suffered an agonising defeat in their AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Hong Kong on Tuesday afternoon, when Stefan Pereira tucked away a penalty for the Dragons in the 94th minute.
