Khalid Jamil shares honest thoughts on increased competetion in ISL 2024-25

Khalid Jamil feels the quality of incoming foreign coaches and players have grown exponentially.

Ahead of Jamshedpur FC’s much-anticipated Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 opening fixture against FC Goa at the iconic Fatorda Stadium, head coach Khalid Jamil, accompanied by goalkeeper Amrit Gope, addressed the media in a press conference filled with optimism.

Khalid Jamil, often hailed as the ‘Miracle Man’ of Indian football, has now firmly taken the reins of Jamshedpur FC since the onset of the new season. For a club that found itself languishing in the lower half of the ISL table last season, managing only two wins in over four months, Jamil’s arrival injected a much-needed wave of hope and excitement.

Jamil’s impact was immediately felt when he guided Jamshedpur to an unexpected victory against Kerala Blasters, the then league leaders. This win secured their place in the semifinals of the Kalinga Super Cup. This marked a turning point, with the team displaying renewed resilience under Jamil’s guidance, coming from behind in key fixtures against East Bengal and Mumbai City FC.

The fans, once disheartened, rallied behind their team, believing in the resurgence orchestrated by a coach known for delivering the unexpected.

Speaking ahead of the new season, Jamil candidly acknowledged the increasing competition within the ISL. “This year, the level of football in the league has reached new heights,” he said.

“Indian players are improving rapidly, and with the influx of high-caliber foreign players and coaches, the quality has never been this better.” Jamil expressed how this season feels different, with no room for complacency, adding that the early fixtures have already demonstrated how fiercely competitive every match will be.

“The competition has increased significantly in ISL this season. The quality of incoming foreign coaches and players have also grown exponentially and Indian players are also leaving no stone unturned to impress. If you look at the first few matches, you will find out neck to neck battle between between both sides, giving us a glimpse of what we can expect in the new season.”

His words were not without evidence. Jamil pointed to Mumbai City FC’s gritty 2-2 draw in the opening game, where they fought back from a two-goal deficit, showing immense character. He highlighted Odisha FC’s early lead, which was overturned by Chennaiyin FC’s stunning three-goal second half, and Punjab FC’s last-gasp winner against Kerala Blasters in Kochi, silencing the home crowd.

These matches, Jamil stressed, underline how unpredictable and thrilling the season promises to be. There are no ‘big boys’ this year, every team is a contender. “You can’t underestimate anyone,” he warned, signaling his respect for the league’s evolving competitive landscape.

The upcoming season also boasts marquee signings like Jamie McLaren, along with the retention of some of the league’s most influential players, including Cleiton Silva, Diamantakos, and Jamshedpur FC’s new signing, Javier Hernandez.

Jamil believes that these players will elevate the quality of the competition, adding, “It’s going to be a battle of focus and consistency. Only teams that stay sharp, play quality football, and show resilience will survive.”

For Jamshedpur FC fans, the emotional connection to Jamil’s leadership runs deep. He’s a coach known for his ability to defy the odds, having already achieved remarkable feats with Aizawl FC and NorthEast United FC. As the Red Miners prepare to embark on a new journey this season, all eyes will be on Jamil to see if he can once again surprise the league and establish Jamshedpur FC as genuine contenders.

In a season brimming with excitement, tension, and the promise of enthralling football, Khalid Jamil’s Jamshedpur FC might just emerge as the dark horse everyone needs to watch out for. After all, history has taught us that with Jamil at the helm, nothing is impossible.

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