Khalid Jamil has long been a trailblazer in Indian football, etching his name into history as the first Indian head coach to guide a team to the Indian Super League (ISL) playoffs since taking charge at the start of the season. From his historic I-League triumph with Aizawl FC to transforming Jamshedpur FC into genuine contenders, Jamil’s journey is an inspirational one.

Under Jamil’s leadership, Jamshedpur FC have already secured a playoff spot in the ISL 2024-25 season and are pushing for a top-two finish. The Men of Steel have showcased solid performances throughout the campaign, proving to be a formidable opponent.

After missing out on the playoffs for two consecutive seasons following their League Shield-winning run under Owen Coyle in the 2021-22 campaign, Jamshedpur FC have now turned the tide with their resilience, strong home record, and Jamil’s tactical discipline.

In the latest episode of In the Stands with Suyash Upadhyaya, Jamil opened up about his time at Jamshedpur FC, his coaching philosophy, his I-League-winning campaign with Aizawl FC, and more.

Overcoming adversity

Jamil took charge of Jamshedpur FC in December 2023 after Scott Cooper’s departure. His first season in charge saw them finish eleventh, missing out on the top six despite showing glimpses of promise. But his relentless belief in hard work and a never-say-die attitude has propelled Jamshedpur FC into one of the league’s top teams this season.

From holding League Shield winners Mohun Bagan Super Giant to a 1-1 draw at home to completing league doubles over Mumbai City FC and FC Goa, Jamshedpur FC have proven to be a tough hurdle for other teams.

Jamil credited Jamshedpur FC CEO Mukul Choudhari and General Manager Prashant Godbole for their faith in his abilities and unwavering support during difficult times.

“I'll always remember this club because they gave me a chance. Because last year was bad for me. I had no club, so Prashant and Mukul sir gave me that chance. They went and spoke with the management and board of directors. For me, and that's why I am here,” he said.

The turning point in Jamshedpur FC’s season came after a difficult phase in November 2024. During that time, they suffered three straight defeats, conceding 13 goals, including a heavy 5-1 home loss to Chennaiyin FC. However, since then, they have turned things around, losing just four of their last 13 games while securing eight wins.

“The results were bad, and I was a bit down. There was no pressure; I was just feeling low. The next day they spoke to me and said, ‘We believe in you,’ and they gave me hope. They believed in me and said, ‘You will bounce back; just continue doing what you do best.’ And then I made a comeback,” Jamil recalled.

Jamshedpur FC’s incredible home form has been a cornerstone of their success this season. They have won eight, drawn one, and lost just twice at the JRD Tata Sports Complex, making it one of the toughest venues for visiting teams.

Jamil acknowledged the impact of the fans, whose relentless support has been a driving force for his squad.

“Yes, it motivates the players. The fans scream for the players like (Stephen) Eze and Javi (Hernandez) when they see them. In this city, they play a lot of football, and they wish that we do well. And we also wish to perform well this season.”

History in the I-League

Jamil’s reputation as one of India’s finest coaches was cemented during his time at Aizawl FC. In the 2016-17 season, he guided the underdog club to an extraordinary I-League triumph, edging out Mohun Bagan on the final day to script one of Indian football’s most iconic stories.

“It was during December, and he (Aizawl FC manager) said to me that I could join the club. And I joined the club the very next day. The thing about Aizawl FC is that they work very hard during practice. They practice as intensely as a match. And they're physically and naturally strong, and they recover very fast,” Jamil recalled.

“It was a step-by-step process; we never thought about it (the title) during matches. We started well, and our home run also was good. Our record in home matches was good. They already had a football culture. And it wasn't like it was easy. There were tough teams like Bengaluru FC, East Bengal FC, Mohun Bagan, and even (Churchill Brothers FC) Goa. It was tough.”

Carving his own path

Despite his achievements, Jamil remains one of the few Indian head coaches to be given a chance in the ISL, with most clubs opting for foreign managers due to their experience. Jamil urged his fellow Indian coaches to strive to fulfil their quest to compete at the top level while having patience for the opportunities to come. However, he also highlighted the significance of giving adequate time to the Indian coaches to form a team and instil a certain philosophy within it.

“They need time and matches. They should also not rush into it; take it step by step. You should take the initiative if you want to reach that level. If the coach is happy to be a second (assistant) coach, it's their choice. But if you have the desire, you will carve your own path. You should have the hunger from inside,” he opined.

“The Indian coaches are knowledgeable; they always were, and they understand the Indian players’ playstyle, which is an advantage. The foreign coaches are also good; the Indian coaches have learnt from them, whether they played with them or against them. They also are doing well.”

Unlike the modern-day focus on possession-based tiki-taka football or high-pressing counter-attacks, Jamil believes in keeping things simple, allowing his players the freedom to express themselves while maintaining defensive discipline.

While quizzed about how he approaches his players and helps them understand his tactics, Jamil answered: “I always instruct my players to play in a certain way, man-to-man, but I also tell them to play their natural game, which is also important. It shouldn't be like my players behave like robots and do exactly as I say; be free. Especially to foreigners, I insist they use their experience. And if it's a young Indian with limited experience, I instruct accordingly. And if it’s an experienced Indian player who has the potential to give more, I push them a bit. Otherwise, it's not very rigid.”

Shedding light on how football tactics evolved over the years and how he implements his strategies based on what the game needs, Jamil explained, “Yes, I do agree, and there have been many changes. Like, you even see it on social media, and even the players know it. They are also knowledgeable, and they know. So that is why when I instruct, I do it on point. And the players also know if the information given to them is useful or not. It's never been the case that the players have been given the information and they don't find it useful.”