Khalid Jamil praises team-man Idrissa Sylla in draw against ATKMB

The NorthEast United interim coach also had kind words for several other players from his side.

NorthEast United maintained their unbeaten run under Khalid Jamil as they drew 1-1 against ATK Mohun Bagan in the first leg of the second Indian Super League semifinal on Saturday. ATK Mohun Bagan took the lead in the 34th minute through David Williams, but were cancelled out in the 94th minute by Idrissa Sylla. Following the stalemate, NorthEast United interim coach Khalid Jamil spoke in the post-match press conference.

The tactician was visibly delighted with his team’s last minute equalizer. “It is a vital point. We came back strongly. The players, they worked very hard. Britto, Sylla and Machado - they worked very hard and Gallego. We are happy to get the equalizer,” he expressed.

On Idrissa Sylla

The Guinean forward came off the bench to get the equalizer for NorthEast United on Saturday night. On being asked about the impact of the 30-year-old, Khalid Jamil stated, “Idrissa  Sylla is a very mature player, he is very calm. He never takes any pressure and he is having patience."

"That’s why today he came in and he scored because he is having patience. He never complains that why I am not playing - he is for the team. He worked hard and I want to say he is one of the quality strikers that we have,” he added.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxnaYO2ROCU

Vital Result

The NorthEast United interim coach was quizzed regarding the importance of the result. “Yes, you can say it is a vital point. After losing in the first half 1-0, then we came in. Talking about the opposite team, Mohun Bagan, they are good defensively. It is not easy to break them but we scored the goal that is why we are very happy,” he quipped.

Staying focused

Khalid Jamil spoke about the importance of an early goal in the pre match press conference. On being asked about the impact of failing to score the first goal, the tactician answered, “We are not thinking about early goal. We are thinking just to keep our concentration high in 90 minutes. Just go with the flow, that is our main target.”

On Ashutosh Mehta

Defender Ashutosh Mehta played in a much more advanced role against the Kolkata giants and managed to deliver a few good crosses from the right side. Speaking about his impact, Khalid Jamil felt Mehta played a crucial role in the draw.

“Ashutosh is an important player. That’s why he is in Indian team. He played a major role. I made him play in right half, marking and going inside."

"He used his experience. In second half, he came back in his position. He is a vital player, he is a mature player. I know him from before,” he concluded.

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