We have to be mentally strong, says Khalid Jamil before East Bengal game in Kalinga Super Cup

Khalid Jamil claimed Carles Cuadrat to be one of the best coaches in India currently.

East Bengal FC and Jamshedpur FC will square off in the first semi-final match of the Kalinga Super Cup on January 24, 2024, at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, as both teams look to win their first Super Cup title. Both the teams have won all of their three Group Stage ties.

Jamshedpur FC Head Coach Khalid Jamil spoke with the media on Tuesday before their matchup against Carles Cuadrat’s spirited Red & Gold Brigade. Excerpts are below:

Thoughts on opponent

When asked about facing a formidable East Bengal team in the Super Cup semi-final, coach Khalid Jamil gave his initial impressions. “Talking about East Bengal, they are a good side. So, tomorrow’s game is very tough for us because we are playing a good team. They have good foreign players and Indian players. And recently they have been doing good. So we are not going to take this match easy at all,” coach Khalid replied.

Thoughts on Cleiton Silva

East Bengal FC’s Brazillian linchpin Cleiton Silva has already scored four times in the ongoing Super Cup. On being asked about preventing Cleiton from posing any serious threat, Khalid Jamil kept his view brief and precise. In his words, “Cleiton is very good and he is doing good. So, those near him have to be ready for him. Rest we’ll see depending on the match.”

Sanan and Chima’s availability

Mohammed Sanan started in the game against Shillong Lajong FC and scored the opener against the I-League side. The tactician shed light upon his availability in the upcoming game. He mentioned, “Yes, Sanan is available. That is good. Depending on the training, we will see who is looking good. Then we’ll decide.”

Daniel Chima Chukwu has already scored thrice in the ongoing Super Cup and will be the key man for Jamshedpur in this crucial tie against East Bengal. “He missed the last match, so he must be well rested. Yes, everybody is available. That is a good action plan. We will see,” he asserted.

Thoughts on the team’s performance

Under Khalid Jamil, Jamshedpur FC are having a spectacular run in the Super Cup. Intending to win their first Super Cup, the team has found its momentum again. Instead of taking the limelight, the mentor has acknowledged the team as a whole, including both staff and players.

“Whatever result we have got is because of the players, as they worked very hard. I didn’t do anything. We got this result and we have to be ready for the game. We prepare for every match in similar fashion. But this is the semi-final, so mentally we have to be strong.”

Thoughts on counterpart Carles Cuadrat

East Bengal FC are unbeaten for the last eight games under coach Carles Cuadrat. Jamshedpur FC head coach Khalid Jamil praised his counterpart during the media interaction. “Yes, he is very good. He is doing well and is an experienced coach. Tactically, he is good too. I believe he is one of the best foreign coaches in India at present,” he concluded.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.