Khalid Jamil eye a 'stellar comeback' against Chennaiyin FC in ISL

Jamshedpur FC faced a humiliating loss against the Highlanders at Guwahati.

Khalid Jamil’s Jamshedpur FC have made an excellent start to the new ISL season, winning four out of their six matches. This marks the best start for Jamshedpur FC since their inception into the Indian Super League (ISL) in the 2017-18 season.

The team has been in impressive form, securing victories over strong sides such as Mumbai City FC, FC Goa, Hyderabad FC, and East Bengal. However, their winning momentum hit a setback when they suffered a heavy defeat against NorthEast United in Guwahati.

After conceding an early goal, Stephen Eze, Jamshedpur FC’s key Nigerian defender, was sent off, forcing the team to play with 10 men for almost an hour. This proved costly, as defensive errors and lapses in concentration led to the team conceding 5 goals, resulting in a negative goal difference.

Jamshedpur FC are now set to face Chennaiyin FC, but the advantage lies in being back at home. The JRD Tata Sports Complex, known as the “Furnace” and the “Theatre of Dreams,” has been a fortress for them this season, with the team winning every home game so far. They will aim to maintain their perfect home record with a win over Chennaiyin FC.

Ahead of the match, coach Khalid Jamil addressed the media, discussing the team’s mindset following the heavy defeat and expressing confidence in their ability to regroup and make a strong comeback against the Marina Machans.

Focused on the comeback 💪👊Coach Khalid Jamil shares his thoughts on the Chennaiyin FC clash ✨🔴#MenOfSteel #ISL #Jamshedpur #JFCCFC pic.twitter.com/EYPJ3KGKgY

— Jamshedpur FC (@JamshedpurFC) November 3, 2024

When asked about the team’s atmosphere following their recent heavy defeat, coach Khalid Jamil emphasized that his players are highly professional and well aware of their responsibilities. Jamil believes it is crucial for players not to dwell on victories or losses but to move on quickly and focus on the next match at hand.

ALSO READ: Owen Coyle highlights two ‘key factors’ for Chennaiyin FC ahead of Jamshedpur FC clash in ISL

Khalid Jamil’s plan

It will be intriguing to see whether Jamshedpur FC will be affected by the recent setback or if they will showcase a revitalized performance when they face Chennaiyin FC in the upcoming fixture.

Khalid Jamil said, “It’s true that we suffered a tough loss, but we are determined to improve and stage a strong comeback. Losses like these are hard, but they’re also opportunities to learn and grow. We’re working hard to turn things around.”

Notably, Khalid Jamil is often referred to as the “comeback” or “miracle man” of Indian football due to his remarkable ability to lead teams to bounce back from dire situations. This resilience is ingrained in Jamil’s approach, enabling him to defy the odds during challenging periods.

He previously guided Jamshedpur FC to a near-top-six finish and a semi-final appearance in the Kalinga Super Cup at a time when the team was struggling near the bottom of the table.

After Jamshedpur FC’s management decided to retain him as head coach, Jamil promptly set to work, refining his strategies and instilling confidence in his squad. The upcoming match will be a testament to his leadership and the team’s ability to respond under pressure.

When Khalid Jamil was asked if he would miss Stephen Eze’s presence in the upcoming fixture, he emphasized that the team has had ample time to regroup, reassess their mistakes, and adapt their strategy accordingly.

Khalid Jamil concluded, “There are no excuses to be made. The focus should solely be on achieving a positive result against Chennaiyin FC, which he believes is essential to set the tone for the upcoming matches before the team takes a break. He also affirmed that the team’s morale is strong and there is a palpable sense of optimism among the players as they prepare for the match.”

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.