Jamshedpur FC head coach Khalid Jamil expressed gratitude to the club and their fans as they prepare to host FC Goa in their final match of the league season in the Indian Super League (ISL) at the JRD Tata Sports Complex in Jamshedpur on Tuesday.

The Men of Steel are currently out of the playoff race having suffered 10 losses in 21 matches registering only 21 points in the process. FC Goa, on the other hand, have sealed themselves a spot in the top four securing 39 points in their 20 matches.

Jamil's men will take the pitch playing for their pride, hoping to wrap up their ISL 2023-24 season on a high.

The head coach believes a win at the Furnace in their last game of the season would make the team feel comfortable but expressed disappointment in their failure to have made it through to the playoffs.

I am very thankful to the club for giving me this opportunity. Talking about the (playoff) chance. Yes, we deserve to be in the first six. I think one win from our last game, on home ground, will be comfortable. But, I am still not happy because I think we deserve to be in the first six. We didn't get the chance. I'm not blaming anyone. And, talking about the players. Yes, commitment was good. Everybody worked very hard,” stated Jamil in the pre-match press conference.

The JRD Tata Sports Complex, also known as “The Furnace” has showcased a brilliant fandom this season for the Men of Steel with all their home matches having jam-packed stadiums.

Jamil expressed gratitude to the fans for standing beside them throughout and requested them to keep up the same.

“I just want to thank everybody who supported us. There is no doubt from the first minute to the 90th minute. Just keep supporting us because, without this support, we cannot do anything. I'm very thankful and just keep supporting us,” he shared.

Whenever we get a chance we must be ready: Saphaba Singh

Defender Saphaba Singh accompanied the head coach to the press conference.

The youngster has made only a single appearance so far this season, taking three touches, succeeding in all two attempted passes, and winning a duel in the minute he spent on the pitch.

On being asked about how he feels when coach Jamil trusts him with an opportunity, the 21-year-old replied, “This is football and anything can happen. So as a young player, we need to be ready to play whenever we get the chance to play. Coach can give a chance any time, we must be ready."

Singh wrapped up the press conference by sharing his thoughts on his coach, appreciating him for knowing where to be serious and where to be friendly.

“He is serious in the training session. He should be serious in the training session, but off the field, he used to make jokes with us, with the players. But he is not that funny guy. He is serious on and off the ground. Like he understands where he should be serious, where he should be friendly with the players,” he signed off.