Khalid Jamil had little interest in getting involved in Carlo Ancelotti’s comments on India’s football culture, choosing instead to keep his attention on the national team’s upcoming friendly against Panama. The India head coach said everyone is entitled to an opinion but made it clear that his priority is what happens on the pitch.
India are preparing to face Panama in Bengaluru on Thursday, with Jamil using the FIFA window to test a squad that includes a mix of established players and younger faces. Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Jamil was asked about Ancelotti’s assessment of Indian football.
“I don’t care. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion.”
The question came after Ancelotti spoke about the challenges facing Indian football ahead of Brazil’s much-anticipated meeting with India in Kolkata next month. Rather than respond to the wider discussion around the sport’s development, Jamil immediately brought the focus back to India’s next opponent.
“I just want to focus on tomorrow’s match against Panama.”
Ancelotti, who took charge of Brazil earlier this year, had pointed to the lack of a strong football culture in India while discussing the country’s development. He also spoke about the importance of grassroots football and creating better conditions for young players to develop.
JAMIL KEEPS FOCUS ON PANAMA
Jamil’s immediate challenge is a Panama side that offers India a demanding test before the team faces Brazil and Uruguay in October. The coach has used the current camp to look at younger players alongside experienced figures, with Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Manvir Singh and Anirudh Thapa among the senior members of the squad.
The coach has also indicated that India will not simply sit deep against stronger opposition. Jamil said his side would have to adapt according to how the match develops, rather than commit entirely to either defending or attacking.
“We are playing a stronger team. At the same time, you cannot defend all the time. So there will be a mix of defending and attacking also. According to the situation, we will react.”
The Panama game is followed by India’s high-profile fixtures against Brazil and Uruguay in Kolkata. For Jamil, though, those matches can wait for now as India prepare for the first of the three tests.
INDIA’S NEXT BIG TESTS
Jamil has also made it clear that leaving some senior players out of the squad does not mean the door is closed on them. His current plan is to give younger players more exposure while mixing them with experienced campaigners as he looks to build a settled team.
Gurpreet, who is part of that senior group, echoed the importance of treating the upcoming matches as competitive fixtures rather than simply enjoying the occasion of facing bigger opponents.
– Ends
