Odisha FC head coach T.G. Purushothaman has urged his players to adapt, compete and fight until the final whistle as the club prepares to face Punjab FC in its opening match of the MG Indian Super League (ISL) 2026–27 season.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference in Bhubaneswar on 13 October 2026, Purushothaman and Odisha FC captain Lalthathanga Khawlhring, popularly known as Puitea, discussed the team’s preparations, new signings, leadership responsibilities and expectations for the new campaign.
Punjab FC vs Odisha FC – ISL 2026–27 Match Details
| Match Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Competition | MG Indian Super League 2026–27 |
| Fixture | Punjab FC vs Odisha FC |
| Date | Wednesday, 14 October 2026 |
| Kick-off | 7:30 PM IST |
| Venue | Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi |
| Punjab FC Head Coach | Pavlos Dermitzakis |
| Odisha FC Head Coach | T.G. Purushothaman |
| Odisha FC Captain | Lalthathanga Khawlhring (Puitea) |
| Odisha FC Team News | Rahul KP unavailable due to a minor injury |
Odisha FC Coach T.G. Purushothaman on Season Opener
Odisha FC will aim for greater consistency in the 2026–27 season after a campaign in which the team struggled to convert performances into positive results.
With new signings joining the existing squad, establishing team chemistry will be an important part of the club’s preparations.
Acknowledging the lack of pre-season matches, Purushothaman said the players must focus on adapting to the circumstances.
“As professionals, we have to adapt to the situation. We need to turn the negatives into positives and focus on performing well,” he said.
The coach also outlined the competitive attitude he expects from his squad.
“Our identity is clear — fight for everything and give your best until the referee blows the final whistle,” Purushothaman added.
Odisha FC Captain Puitea Embraces Leadership Responsibility
Captain Lalthathanga Khawlhring (Puitea) expressed confidence in the atmosphere within the Odisha FC squad, particularly the understanding developing between new arrivals and established players.
Following the departures of Carlos Delgado and Amrinder Singh, Puitea has taken on the responsibility of leading the team.
“I don’t see it as pressure; I take it as an honour. It won’t be easy, but I will take as much responsibility as I can and always be there for the team, the staff and the club,” he said.
The midfielder emphasised collective responsibility as Odisha FC prepares for its away fixture against Punjab FC.
Rahul KP to Miss Punjab FC vs Odisha FC Match
Purushothaman confirmed that Rahul KP will miss Odisha FC’s opening ISL 2026–27 fixture because of a minor injury.
The coaching staff has decided against risking the player at the beginning of the season.
Odisha FC will therefore begin its campaign without Rahul KP as the club looks to make a positive start against Punjab FC.
Punjab FC vs Odisha FC – Where to Watch ISL 2026–27 Live
Football fans can follow the Punjab FC vs Odisha FC match through the official ISL 2026–27 broadcast and streaming arrangements.
The league’s coverage includes Sony Sports Network for television broadcasts, alongside digital streaming through SonyLIV and YouTube.
The availability of individual matches, regional commentary and specific television channels may vary according to the published broadcast schedule.
Punjab FC will host Odisha FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on 14 October 2026 at 7:30 PM IST.
Odisha FC Target Improved Consistency
Odisha FC enters the new season aiming to strengthen its performances and improve results.
Purushothaman’s message focuses on adaptability, commitment and competition for places, while Puitea has stressed the importance of responsibility and teamwork.
The away encounter against Punjab FC will provide Odisha FC with its first competitive test of the MG ISL 2026–27 campaign.
Stay tuned to Kerala TV for Indian Super League fixtures, match results, Kerala Blasters FC updates and ISL live streaming information.
Broadcast details verified from Kerala TV: Every ISL 2026–27 match streams live and free on YouTube, SonyLIV carries all 163 matches, and Sony Sports Network broadcasts 80+ matches on television. The exact TV channel for Punjab FC vs Odisha FC has not been specified, so it should not be invented.
