Khalid Jamil interview: ‘Whether clubs release players for India camp or not, those who come have to give 100 percent in training… won’t be easy vs Singapore’

Excerpts from the interview:

What were the objectives you had set for the team before the CAFA Nations Cup and how much of it do you feel you have managed to achieve?

A: We laid a lot of importance on building team unity. I was really happy to see that the players – seniors and juniors – cooperated and put in their all. They all showed a great hunger to play for the country.

Singapore are currently sitting top of Group C in the third round of the Asian Cup qualifiers while India are at the bottom. Moreover, the first match against them will be an away game. How do you want the team to approach this fixture?

A: It won’t be easy to play against them in front of their fans. We have to play according to the situation. We need to be patient. They will have some momentum at home. But we need to concentrate on our strategies and play accordingly.

Where do you get your coaching philosophy from? Do you give more importance to personal relationships with the players (multiple players have spoken of your ability to fill them up with confidence) or is it more concentrated on tactics?

A: For me, both are important. There needs to be a degree of trust between the players and the coach. At the same time, football is about discipline and understanding the game. I try to balance both — give confidence to the players, and make sure they follow the plan together.

Scoring goals and creating chances has been a problem for the national team since late 2023. Is there a short-term solution with the Asian Cup qualifiers in mind?

A: We are working with the players in training. It depends on the situation in the match. The important thing is to stay calm, create chances, and take them when they come.

Khalid Jamil said that Sunil Chhetri’s experience is valuable to his team. (AIFF Photo)

Indian players were criticised for having seemingly settled into their own comfort zones on the pitch a bit too much under Marquez. Is that something that you have also noticed and if so, are you looking to break that?

A: My focus is only on what we are doing now. I can say the players are giving everything in training and are hungry. That is what matters. We must push ourselves in every game and never take it easy.

Clubs continue being reluctant to release players outside FIFA windows. As a coach, that cuts into the time you can spend with them. Is there a solution to this problem?

A: It was not easy at the start, but the clubs have now released their players, which gives us some time to work with them, and I thank them for it. For me, the most important thing is that whoever comes is prepared to give 100 percent in training, and show that they deserve to make the final cut. And if they miss out, I want them to do well for their respective clubs and come back stronger in the next camp.

What role does Sunil Chhetri play in your plans for the team?

A: Sunil has a lot of experience, and that helps everyone. It is important that we use his experience to give confidence to the team, especially the younger players, who can learn a lot from him.

India’s recent performances in the U23 Asian Cup qualifiers made a lot of waves and there are quite a few of those players in the camp right now. How have they fared?

A: They are working very hard. For them, it is about gaining experience and learning at every step. If they keep this attitude, they will grow.