Khalid Jamil has made a strong statement ahead of India’s high-profile matches against Brazil and UruguayHere’s why the coach believes they could change Indian football.
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Khalid Jamil backs India ahead of Brazil and Uruguay clashes(Photo: X)
India head coach Khalid Jamil believes the upcoming matches against Brazil and Uruguay will mark a major moment in the history of Indian footballIndia will face the five-time world champions and the two-time World Cup winners at home, an opportunity Jamil described as a dream for the team.
He also feels the fixtures will help India prepare better for the crucial AFC Asian Cup qualifiers next year.
Jamil highlights historic opportunity for India
Jamil was clear about the significance of the upcoming fixtures.
“Yes, it will be a turning point for Indian footballWe are playing Brazil for the first time in historyWe must think positivelyWe must focus on only one thingIndia must go ahead.
“Our main target is next year, 2027, Asia Cup qualificationBefore that, we are playing with strong teamsThis is a very good thing happening for Indian football,” Jamil told PTI in an interview on Wednesday.
“I think, more than anything else, this is history for IndiaIf anybody talks negatively, he must stopWe need support from the fansI feel that if the crowd supports India 100 per cent, the players will be motivated and will perform well,” he added.
Facing top teams will boost India’s growth: India head coach
The coach stressed the importance of playing against high-quality opposition and believes such matches can help the players gain valuable experience.
“It is very useful for the players and for everyoneIt is a motivationIt is one step and then the next step is that we need to play more matches to gain confidence.”
Jamil also wants his players to remain fit and confident, particularly with the matches being played at home in Kolkata.
“The players are very eager to playWe know that they are a better teamSo we have to be carefulFor me, fitness should be goodThe players we take should be fitThe second thing is that we are playing at homeSo confidence should be thereWe will be playing in front of a good crowd in KolkataWe should get support,” he said.
Jamil stresses fitness, discipline and responsibility
Jamil believes India will need to be strong in every department against top-quality opposition.
“Every player should be fit and confidentEverybody must be strong, both defensively and offensivelyWe have to be smartAnd defensively, we have to be strong, take responsibility as a playerPressure will be there for the players.
“It is an honour for everyone who will playAs players and as coaching staff, it is our pleasure to play against BrazilWe are also playing Uruguay and Panama, so it is a very good initiative,” he reiterated.
India squad motivated for Brazil challenge
Jamil said the entire squad is excited about the opportunity to face Brazil for the first time.
“Yes, everyone is motivated for the matchWe are playing against Brazil for the first timeBrazil is everyone’s favouriteThis has been the federation’s (AIFF’s) perfect move.”
He also explained why playing against higher-ranked teams could benefit Indian football in the long run.
“We need to play more matchesI don’t want to play against low-ranking teamsIt is better to play with a high-ranking teamThere will definitely be improvementThe players will learn from itAnd as a coach, there will be an improvement in how to interactSo overall, it is beneficial for everyone,” he said.
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Jamil keeps India’s tactical approach flexible
On India’s style of play against stronger opponents, Jamil said the team would adapt according to the demands of the game.
“Look, overall, as you know, it dependsIt’s not like only defensive, attacking alsoOverall, whatever the football requirement is, we will do it.”
Jamil urges fans to back the team
Jamil ended by calling on supporters to give the players their full backing.
“They need good support, and we must believe in themThey will do a good jobAnd I have selected players according to their merits, according to their performanceIt is a balanced team,” he signed off.
