RoundGlass Punjab FC’s English coach Ashley Westwood said his team has the perfect balance of youth and experience to make a challenge for the I-League title. The league starts from December 26.

“We want to create a healthy, honest, and hardworking team. We have a balance of youth and experience in the squad so we can challenge for the I-League (title),” Westwood said in a virtual news conference.

“The players we have signed give us balance and have been brought onboard for not only their abilities but also their professionalism and experience.”

Last season, Punjab FC finished second in the first phase of the league before ending at fourth in the title round.

“I know the players I’ve worked with earlier will do things the right way and be role models for not only the younger players at the club but also those at our academy and our fans,” Westwood, who had guided Bengaluru FC to two titles in 2013-14 and 2015-16, said.

Westwood left Bengaluru FC in 2016 and then had a brief stint at Penang FC of Malaysia before taking charge of Indian Super League side ATK on an interim basis in 2018.

Returning to India after three years, Westwood said Punjab FC aim to inspire young people of the state with the performances of the club.

“(We) aim to inspire young people with our performances and style of play ... providing a genuine platform that the children and youth of Punjab look up to, are inspired by, and that helps nurture their dreams of becoming sportspersons.”

Punjab FC’s pre-season training began in October and the team has been in Calcutta since, with the players and support staff being housed in a bio-secure environment.