Mohali, September 1, 2026: Pavlos Dermitzakis has begun his Punjab FC journey with a clear objective — to build a team with a strong identity, a competitive spirit and a commitment to developing Indian footballers for the future.
The Greek coach, who takes charge of Punjab FC ahead of the 2026–27 Indian Super League season, arrives with 25 years of coaching experience across Greece and Cyprus. As preparations for the new campaign continue, Dermitzakis is focused on creating a team that can express his footballing philosophy on the pitch.
“Our goal is to build a team which is going to play good football, with a specific philosophy,” he said. “To be able to enjoy, first of all, us and for sure the fans that are going to watch the games.”
For Dermitzakis, building that identity goes beyond tactics and formations. He believes the relationship between a coach and his players is built through actions, education and a shared understanding of the game.
“I think that the language of football is one,” Dermitzakis said. “The most important thing is not what you say, but what you show. And how you educate.”
Building on a strong foundation
One of the coach’s first impressions of Punjab FC has been the organisation and structure already established within the club. He also acknowledged the contribution of the technical staff and coaches who have helped shape the club’s footballing philosophy over recent years.
Dermitzakis sees his role as continuing that work and adding to an existing foundation.
He described Punjab FC as “very well organised” and said he was looking forward to adding his “piece of the puzzle” as the club looks to take another step forward.
That approach is also reflected in the club’s recruitment strategy. Punjab FC have strengthened the squad with a combination of Indian and international players, including footballers with previous Indian Super League experience. For Dermitzakis, however, recruitment is only one element of building a successful team.
The academy at the heart of the vision
A major part of that vision is the Punjab FC academy. With academy graduates already making up a significant part of the senior squad, Dermitzakis believes the youth structure can play an increasingly important role in the club’s future.
“The base is the academies,” he said. “Something that Punjab FC is working on at a high level.”
The objective is to create a stronger connection between youth development and the first team, with Dermitzakis aspiring to see three or four academy graduates regularly involved at senior level.
For him, investing in this pathway has implications beyond Punjab FC.
“If we want to develop the championship, the ISL, and also to develop the national team of India, we have to develop the base,” he said.
Dermitzakis also believes that developing Indian forwards requires greater emphasis on education and long-term player development, particularly in an environment where opportunities can be limited.
A competitive team with a clear purpose
The long-term ambition is to progressively build a team with a strong Indian core, while continuing to provide young players with the support required to reach their potential.
For the immediate future, though, the focus is on the upcoming ISL campaign and creating a team that Punjab FC supporters can be proud of.
“I see that we have a very good team,” Dermitzakis said. “We have footballers who are good receivers. They are hungry to learn things.”
And as the new season approaches, the head coach has made his commitment to the project clear:
“Me and my coaches will give our souls to create a competitive team that will respect itself first and for sure will respect football.”
