ISL: Jamshedpur FC in advanced talks with Khalid Jamil for head coach role

Khalid Jamil was the only Indian coach to guide an ISL team to the playoffs.

The underwhelming performance of Jamshedpur FC in the current season has triggered numerous inquiries from the football community. Whether it pertains to the players’ form, managerial issues, or the coach’s tactics, all aspects have come under scrutiny in recent days.

After parting ways with Scott Cooper following Jamshedpur FC’s loss to Odisha FC at the Kalinga Stadium yesterday, Khel Now has learnt that Khalid Jamil is a leading candidate to step in to assume leadership of the Men of Steel.

A source tracking the developments at the club informed Khel Now this morning, “Jamshedpur FC are in advanced talks with Khalid Jamil. Looking at the success he enjoyed with NorthEast United while taking complete charge mid-season, he is looked upon as the favourite candidate to bag this job.”

Who is Khalid Jamil?

Khalid Jamil is primarily recognized for his managerial career rather than his playing days, during which he demonstrated his abilities as a midfielder and proudly represented India in 12 matches.

After retiring, Jamil immediately embarked on a coaching career with Mumbai FC, an I-League club. He remained with Mumbai from 2009 to 2015, before transitioning to Aizawl FC. Later, he joined East Bengal in 2017 and then moved to Mohun Bagan in 2018.

His coaching career received a significant impetus upon his appointment at NorthEast United FC in 2019. Progressing from the role of assistant to head coach, he contributed comprehensively to NEUFC and notably became the first Indian coach to guide his team to the playoffs of the ISL during the 2020-21 season.

Khalid Jamil was recently affiliated with FC Chitwan, a professional Nepali club that participates in the Nepal Super League.

What’s next for Jamshedpur FC?

If Jamil joins Jamshedpur FC, it would undoubtedly boost the players’ momentum in the game. With his extensive experience in the ISL, the team would gain the advantage of his seasoned understanding, as Jamil is well-versed in the requirements at the ISL level and the factors contributing to a club’s success in this regard.

But it is up to the players to determine the extent to which they accept the changes and how rapidly they adapt to the playing tactics of the new coach during the mid-season, which will involve a number of matches in the coming days.

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