Very happy to come back with Jamshedpur FC: Khalid Jamil
The Indian head coach recently signed a two-year contract extension with the Men of Steel, having taken charge of the team during the 2023-24 season.
Head coach Khalid Jamil will continue to work with Indian Super League (ISL) side Jamshedpur FC for the next two seasons, having recently signed a contract extension.
The former NorthEast United FC head coach joined Jamshedpur FC midway through the 2023-24 season, on a deal running till the end of the campaign. Khalid made an immediate impact, steering the team to the semi-finals of the Kalinga Super Cup and got the team playing back to their best in the ISL.
“I am very happy to come back here again. It is my pleasure to be here as a (head) coach. To do well this year we have to fight. From the start, we have to think about the team. Make a good solid team and choose the players with a long-term contract,” Jamil said in an interview with Jamshedpur FC.
Also Read: Building the Base: Khalid Jamil's early impact at Jamshedpur FC
Although Jamshedpur FC finished 11th in the standings, they were in contention for a playoff spot during the business end of the season and put up some incredible results in the league, including a win over ISL Cup winners Mumbai City FC.
“Till the break we did well, we were the contenders for top six but unfortunately after the Chennaiyin FC game everything turned down.. but now we have to think fresh and start fresh and work hard as a team,” he reflected.
Jamshedpur FC have parted ways with many of the core players of their starting eleven from last season, including Jitendra Singh, Elsinho, Daniel Chima, Laldinpuia, Jeremy Manzorro, and TP Rehenesh. They have retained midfielder Rei Tachikawa. Jamil spoke about building a squad with a good mix of foreign and Indian players and his aim to give a chance to local players in the upcoming season.
“Starting from foreign players, we have to see which of the foreign players we have to retain and which foreigners we need to change because they play a major role. We also have to think about which experienced Indian players have played in the ISL and I-League. The third thing is that we have to concentrate on local boys. That will be my aim to give a good chance to the boys from Jharkhand or any other local boys. This is our target.
Khalid Jamil also gave a message to their fans, who have constantly displayed their support for the team despite a disappointing campaign last season.
“I want to thank you for supporting Jamshedpur FC. Support us and we’ll do well. We need your support because we must work hard from the start and we need their support all the time,” he said.
Watch the full interview here: