Jamshedpur FC has suffered two heavy losses to Juan Pedro Benali’s team this season.
Jamshedpur FC and their coach Khalid Jamil missed a great chance to host the ISL knockout matches at home. They only needed one point from their last two games to secure a spot for the knockout rounds at home. However, back-to-back losses to Odisha FC and Chennaiyin FC ended their hopes.
Jamshedpur FC’s away form has been poor, and their record against NorthEast United FC is also not in their favor. After a much-needed break, Khalid and his team are focused on beating NorthEast United and securing a spot in the semi-finals against Mohun Bagan Super Giant.
Before the knockout match, coach Khalid Jamil and young player Nikhil Barla spoke to the media about the team’s preparations and how they plan to face the Highlanders.
Khalid Jamil is delighted to play at Shillong
The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong is one of the most peaceful and beautiful places in the country for a football match. Recently, it hosted two international games for the Blue Tigers against Maldives and Bangladesh.
When Khalid Jamil arrived in Shillong, he shared his excitement about playing there. He said, “We are very happy to be here. The players are enjoying it, and Shillong has always been a special place for football. The atmosphere, the fans, and the stadium look amazing. We’re excited to give a strong performance and get a good result.”
The break’s impact on the playoffs
The Red Miners were struggling after a series of winless games and really needed a break. Khalid Jamil’s team is eager to turn things around and show a strong performance against the Highlanders.
Speaking about the break, Khalid Jamil said, “The break was crucial for us. It allowed the players to recover physically and mentally. Some players needed rest, and those with injuries had time to heal. It was exactly what we needed, and now we’re fully refreshed and focused on the playoffs.”
It’s now or never for the Red Miners
Khalid Jamil is giving his all as Jamshedpur FC aims for a spot in the semi-finals. He’s the second coach in the club’s history to take them to the playoffs, and now he hopes to build on their strong performance to move even further.
He said, “This game is different from the league matches. We need to approach it with a positive attitude because there’s no second chance. We know how we’ve performed against NorthEast United before, but this is a new challenge, and we’re ready to take responsibility. We’ve trained hard, and now it’s time to give our best on the field.”
Do those old memories still haunt Khalid?
In their two regular matches against the Highlanders, Khalid’s team suffered two heavy losses. First, they lost 5-0 after getting a player sent off in Guwahati. In their latest game, Juan Pedro Benali’s team won 2-0 at the Furnace.
Khalid said, “Yes, they deserved to win against us in the league, but this is a new game. This match is do-or-die—we either win, or our season is over. Mentally, we need to be strong. We’ve reviewed our past games, worked on our weaknesses, and are ready to make a comeback.”
