Punjab FC is on the verge of signing Croatian midfielder Filip Mrzljak as their new central defensive midfielder in a bid to improve their midfield for the upcoming season. The Dinamo Zagreb academy graduate, who last played for HNK Gorica in Croatia’s top-flight league, is poised to bring a wealth of experience to the Indian Super League (ISL) club.
Mrzljak, a Croatian youth international, has had a successful career in Europe, featuring for clubs in Croatia, Slovenia, and Hungary. His extensive experience in top European leagues is expected to add much-needed defensive stability to Punjab FC’s midfield.
“Punjab FC were looking for defensive midfielders and they are now set to sign Filip Mrzljak from a top division league in Europe,” a source was quoted as saying by Khel Now.
The acquisition of Mrzljak marks the club’s first foreign signing after releasing all their foreign players, except for Nepali international goalkeeper Kiran Limbu. This move is part of a significant squad overhaul aimed at building a more competitive team for the upcoming ISL season.
Last season, under the guidance of then-head coach Staikos Vergetis, Punjab FC faced challenges due to the lack of a recognized defensive midfielder. This issue forced Nikhil Prabhu to play out of position, which often left the team vulnerable at the back. The signing of Mrzljak is expected to address this problem, allowing Prabhu to return to his natural center-back position and providing the team with much-needed defensive solidity.
Newly appointed head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis, who recently joined the club, will be relying heavily on Mrzljak’s experience to fortify the team’s defense. Dilmperis, known for his expertise in building strong defensive units from his tenure in Greece and Cyprus, aims to improve on the previous ISL season’s performance, where the club narrowly missed the playoffs by three points.
The signing of Mrzljak is a crucial part of a broader restructuring at Punjab FC. The club has seen the departure of 11 players and Greek coach Staikos Vergetis after the completion of their contracts. The management is determined to revamp the squad and start afresh under Dilmperis’ leadership.
In addition to Mrzljak, Punjab FC has announced four new signings for the upcoming season, including Ninthoi Meetei and Vinit Rai. These acquisitions indicate the club’s commitment to building a well-rounded and competitive squad. The infusion of new talent is expected to provide a balanced mix of youth and experience, which is essential for achieving success in the highly competitive ISL.
Punjab FC’s proactive approach in the transfer market, combined with the tactical acumen of coach Dilmperis, signals a promising new chapter for the club. The upcoming season holds much anticipation as fans eagerly await to see how the new signings, especially Mrzljak, will integrate into the team and contribute to their quest for playoff qualification and beyond.
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