Indian Super League club Punjab FC have appointed experienced Greek coach Pavlos Dermitzakis as their new head coach ahead of the 2026-27 season, signing him on a two-year contract.
The 57-year-old joins the Shers from Greek Super League 2 side Panionios F.C, bringing with him more than two decades of coaching experience and a proven track record of guiding clubs to promotion and success across Greek football.
Dermitzakis began his managerial journey with Ergotelis during the 2002-03 season in Greece’s fourth division before moving to Atsalenios a year later. During his four-year spell at the club, he guided the team to promotion to the third division while maintaining an unbeaten home record in the 2005-06 and 2006-07 seasons.
His success continued with GS Diagoras 1905, where he secured promotion to Beta Ethniki, the second tier of Greek football, while once again preserving an unbeaten home record. Over the years, Dermitzakis also took charge of several clubs in the Greek Super League, including Panthrakikos, PAOK, Asteras Tripolis and OFI Crete.
The Greek coach enjoyed further success with Veria 1960 after being appointed manager of the second division side. Under his leadership, the club claimed back-to-back North Group titles in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons. He later joined Panserraikos FC in 2022 and guided the club back to the Greek Super League, ending a 12-year absence from the country’s top flight.
Before moving into coaching, Dermitzakis had an accomplished playing career as a forward, making more than 500 professional appearances. He represented several clubs, including PAOK, Athinaikos, Kalamata, Panegialios, E.A Rethimniakou, Anagennisi Karditsa, Atromitos and Ergotelis.
Speaking after his appointment, Dermitzakis said the club’s long-term ambitions convinced him to take up the role.
“What attracted me most was the vision of the club. Punjab FC is not just focused on results today, but on building something that can be successful for many years.”
He also praised the club’s commitment to nurturing young talent.
“The emphasis on developing young Indian players, combined with the ambition to compete at the highest level, made this a very exciting opportunity. I believe my experience of building competitive teams and helping players improve fits well with the direction the club is taking. I am excited to get started with the team.”
