Jamshedpur FC Head Coach Khalid Jamil spoke to the media ahead of an all-important clash against NorthEast United FC in the Indian Super League. Here are the excerpts from the pre-match press conference:
On the team's performance since he took charge...
Yes, I give all the credit to the boys. All the players played well and worked hard. They combined. We have the capability to turn the tides. They are doing good and confident. We motivated them. I told them to play their natural game. We motivated them and we got good results in the Super Cup. We have to continue like this because the first match is very important. We will do what we have prepared. There are 10 matches left. We lost (matches) in the first leg. This time we should play well. We can't underestimate the opponent because they are a good team. They have a good mix of Indian & foreign players. So, it is not an easy game for us. We have to be on top.
On fan's support...
It is important to get fan's support because we cannot play without the fans. The fans have to support us and we will try to make them proud with our game. If we get continuous support from the fans like we always had, we will do good.
On appointing Indian coaches to take the lead in ISL...
There are Indian coaches who are successful. It is not that foreigners or Indians should only get the opportunities but whoever is capable, must get a chance. And no doubt, Indians are capable of doing the same. So, it is all about results. So, there is no such difference between Indian & foreign coaches.
On the growth of Indian Football...
There has been improvement in Indian Football and there is no doubt about it. Since the Indian players have gained confidence because foreign coaches and foreign players have come. It will take time. It's a step-by-step process. In the recent game, we have seen India's performance improve and they are doing well in International football though the result (in the Asian Cup) was not favourable. But we have improved both defensively and in our attack too.
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Jamshedpur host NorthEast United at home on January 31st. Grab your tickets on bit.ly/jfc-tickets or the JRD Tata Sports Complex Box Office.