“It is a good experience for everyone, but the result was not up to the mark": India head coach Khalid Jamil reacts after Brazil clash
India will face Uruguay next
India’s most anticipated FIFA friendly against a star-studded Brazilian side ended in a 0-4 win for the five-time World Champions. Even though the result wasn’t favourable, the Blue Tigers walked away with an experience of a lifetime and a performance that they can be proud of.
Brazil came as clear favourites, but Khalid Jamil’s men did not let them have it easy and put up a great fight against the South American giants.
It was a night to remember for Indian Football and its fans. Chelsea’s wonderkid Estêvão broke the deadlock for the visitors in the 28th minute before Pedro notched up a second goal just before half-time. Samuel Lino scored twice across the second half and made the scoreline 0-4 in favour of Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
Ryan Williams was the talking point for India as he came up with three close chances in the attacking third.
After the game, India’s head coach Khalid Jamil spoke to the media and shared his thoughts on the game.
Thoughts on the game
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Sharing his thoughts on the game, Jamil said, “It is a good experience for everyone, but the result was not up to the mark. The biggest lesson that we have learnt is that we have to believe in ourselves, and we need to work as per the plan and focus.”
“Even one mistake can cost us very badly. We could’ve prepared well and should have capitalised on our chances.”
Learnings from Carlo Ancelotti
Khalid was asked what all he learned from Carlo Ancelotti, and he did not hesitate and replied.
“He is a very good gentleman.”
“He is very simple, humble and very nice. We have a lot to learn technically. His relationship with his players is very good, and there are many things to learn from him.”
“He appreciated our performance and told me that we played well after the game. He asked us to keep it up, and he’ll stay in touch.”
Support for his players
Jamil came out in support of his skipper and defended him by saying, “We cannot blame Gurpreet, and we cannot judge him on two matches. It was everybody’s mistake. He is one of the best goalkeepers that India has, and he will be back in the next game.”
The head coach also shed some light on the psychological pressure of playing against a dominant side like Brazil and said, “Of course, there was a lot of pressure because we were playing them for the first time, and they are the World Champions. I told my players that they are also a bunch of talented players.”
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