Khalid Jamil joined Jamshedpur FC midway through the 2023-24 season and immediately and profoundly impacted the squad.

He sparked a resurgence after a difficult start to the season under previous head coach Scott Cooper. Despite not achieving their desired league position in the end, the changes in the game plan and team mindset under Jamil were transformative.

Under Cooper, the Men of Steel managed only two wins and seven draws from their first 12 matches. The management acted swiftly, appointing Jamil, whose influence on the team’s gameplay was unmistakable.

As a result, Jamshedpur FC have agreed to a new two-year contract extension with the head coach, keeping him at the club until 2026, the Indian Super League (ISL) side announced on Monday.

Jamshedpur FC now aim to build on the positive aspects from last season and develop the squad around their head coach. We review how Jamil's appointment influenced the Men of Steel and what fans can expect from the coach in the upcoming season.

Jamil’s Immediate Impact

The 47-year-old quickly went to work, using his tactical acumen to strategize for the remainder of the season. Despite having limited preparation time for the Kalinga Super Cup, he performed admirably.

Jamshedpur FC reached the semi-finals of the Kalinga Super Cup with a perfect record in the group stage. Although they were defeated by eventual champions East Bengal FC in the semi-finals, the team maintained their confidence and continued to improve when the ISL resumed in late January.

In Jamil’s debut league game, they played out a 1-1 draw with NorthEast United FC. However, in their next match, they shocked everyone by defeating heavyweight side Mumbai City FC 3-2, despite being two goals down.

Under Jamil’s guidance, Jamshedpur FC remained unbeaten in their first five fixtures, earning 11 points out of a possible 15, compared to nine points from the first 12 fixtures under Cooper.

Maximizing Player Potential

Jamil wasted no time implementing his changes within the squad, and these strategies proved effective. He opted for an all-Indian backline, with Elsinho excelling in the central defensive role and providing crucial screening at the base of the defence.

Another significant change was deploying French midfielder Jérémy Manzorro in a box-to-box role. With Elsinho’s assistance in defensive duties, Manzorro smoothly transitioned into the playmaker role. He became a key player for Jamil’s side, contributing five goals, compared to just one assist under Cooper.

Japanese midfielder Rei Tachikawa thrived under the new head coach, showcasing his goal-scoring abilities with several important goals.

Jamil also found success with his substitutions, which often made a significant impact. Javier Siverio is a prime example of it. Under Jamil's guidance, players like defender Provat Lakra, PC Laldinpuia, young sensation Mohammed Sanan, and midfielder Imran Khan elevated their performances.

What Can Fans Expect Next?

The former League Shield winners are now focused on building something special with Jamil at the helm. The club has announced the departure of key players, including top scorer Daniel Chima Chukwu, Jérémy Manzorro, Laldinpuia, and TP Rehenesh, among others.

A comprehensive squad overhaul is anticipated as the club aims to return to the top half of the table after two disappointing seasons. The Men of Steel were in playoff contention until the penultimate week but ultimately finished 11th, largely due to a lack of squad depth. They are eager to add more depth to the squad and recruit players who align with the head coach’s philosophy.

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Jamshedpur FC2023-2024