If we give our best, anything can happen - Khalid Jamil & Anwar Ali speak ahead of India vs Brazil clash
The Blue Tigers host the Selecao on October 3 in Kolkata.
India are set to enter a historic day as they gear up to take on the five-time FIFA World Cup champions Brazil at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) in Kolkata on October 3. The Blue Tigers will go toe-to-toe against a star-studded Brazilian side, featuring players like Vinicius Jr., Endrick and more, in one of the biggest fixtures in Indian football history.
Ahead of the highly anticipated clash for the Blue Tigers, Indian head coach Khalid Jamil and defender Anwar Ali addressed the media in the pre-match press conference, while the Selecao were represented by head coach Carlo Ancelotti and captain Marquinhos in their respective press conference.
With the historic day just around the corner, let us take a look at what the India head coach Khalid Jamil and defender Anwar Ali had to say about the India vs Brazil clash.
Anwar Ali on the challenge ahead after strong Panama display
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Indian defender, Anwar Ali acknowledged India’s positive performance in their previous game against Panama but stressed the need to put it behind them and fully focus on the upcoming clash.
Anwar Ali said, “I think in the last match we played a very good match. But we have to forget that match because we have a very big game tomorrow, and focus on that and give our 100%.”
“I think we have to go through our coach’s plans, we have to follow that and on the field, we have to take responsibility, and every player has to prove themselves and give their 100%”
“For us this is a very big game and who are watching us playing, (I would like them to know) we are giving our 100%. So, whoever is watching they can also support us, so we just have to give our best so that they can do something in India and Indian football.”
When asked about India’s previous goal against Argentina at U-20 level and the possibility of scoring against Brazil, Anwar said, “If I have a chance to score; I will score but we have other players who take free-kicks and they are better than me of course. But if I get a chance I will score.”
Khalid Jamil calls for support as India prepare for Brazil challenge
Speaking ahead of the Brazil clash, Khalid Jamil acknowledged the quality of the Brazilian side. He also urged those criticising the team to also back the Blue Tigers against a tough opponent.
Khalid Jamil said, “For the match, we have one perspective, that we’re playing against a good team. Playing against Brazil is our pleasure. Players also know that it is an important game. Whoever is criticizing, I don’t want to say anything (to them) except just go support India. Everyone must support India.”
Khalid urges India to give best despite the pressure
When asked about the importance of rest, sleep and the mental pressure ahead of the Brazil clash, Jamil admitted that the pressure is there but urged the Blue Tigers to give their best.
Khalid Jamil said, “I don’t understand that no one slept in the night? Like I said, the pressure is there, I won’t lie, the pressure is there but it’s good, we need to take pressure. And yes, talking about sleep everyone knows the importance of this game. And talking about tomorrow we have to give our best and not to take this match lightly at all. This is one of the best game, so we have to perform.”
When Khalid was asked about Brazil being the favourites and India doesn’t have anything to lose, Khalid said, “It’s not like that. Yes, we are playing against a good team, one of the best in the world. But we have to take responsibility and give our best, not to take lightly and the result is not our hand. If we give our best anything can happen.”
When asked about the approach of the game, Khalid Jamil said, “We have to act according to the situation. According to me you must do simple things and not to do extra and we have told the players we are playing with (against) a good team. Any mistake will cost us badly. So, we have to give our best and be cautious.”
Khalid’s brief exchange with Carlo Ancelotti ahead of Brazil clash
India head coach Khalid Jamil and Brazil head coach shared a small conversation in between the press conference. When Khalid was asked about this, he replied:
“He (Carlo Ancelotti) said normally. He said best of luck, asked me to talk to him after the game. Just a small chat. Nothing much.”
Khalid Jamil and Anwar Ali on handling pressure against Brazil
Head coach Khalid Jamil said, “Fear will be there so will the pressure. And as I told you pressure will be there. We have to handle the pressure as well. Just go out there and give your best. Whatever responsibility you have been given, you must think on it and do simple things.”
Anwar Ali also opened up on this, stating, “Of course we have to take pressure, it’s a very big game. We don’t have to be casual or overthink. We just have to focus, because everyone knows how Brazil plays and what they are. So, we just have to keep calm and give our best.”
When will India play Brazil?
India will play Brazil on October 3 at the VYBK Stadium in Kolkata.
Who is the head coach of India?
Khalid Jamil is the head coach of India.
Where to watch the India vs Brazil match live?
The match will be shown live on Sony Sports Ten 2 SD & HD, Sony Aath SD & HD (Bengali) and be available to live stream on Sony LIV.
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