Reputed Indian coach, Khalid Jamil has opened up on why he chose to accept the post as manager of FC Bengaluru, revealing that the major reason why he took up the job was due to the “respect” the club’s management have given him.
Jamil was appointed as head coach of Bengaluru on Monday, with the 45-year-old highly-rated in the Indian footballing circles considering that in 2021 he had become the first Indian to be appointed as the full-time coach of an Indian Super League (ISL) club, at NorthEast United FC.
The permanent role was offered to Jamil after, in the 2020-21 season, he had become the first Indian coach, interim though, to lead a side into ISL playoffs. However, his much talked about association with the club came to an abrupt end.
We are pleased to share the announcement of one of Indian Football’s finest, Mr Khalid Jamil as our Head Coach for the upcoming season! 🤩⚽️#FCBU #UnitedWeClimb #WeAreUnited pic.twitter.com/EXNK0WBWKH
— FC Bengaluru United (@bengaluruunited) May 30, 2022
However, all that is in the past and Jamil is looking to move forward and helping the club qualify for the I-League.
“I am a very emotional person. I am very happy with the respect that Gaurav Manchanda (FCBU’s owner) has given me and for the opportunity that I have. It’s a new challenge for me and I have always relished challenges. All I need is to work hard and make full use of my experience. I have come to the club after doing all my preparations. Our work will begin with the recruitment of good players,” he told Firstpost.
“As I said, the major reason for joining Bengaluru is the respect they have given me and its a new challenge for me. I never worry about what division it is. For me, football is the most important thing. Wherever you are, it’s important to give your best and when you get the desired freedom you will be happy. I was given the freedom last year as well. But for now, my focus is on growing as a football coach and along with that I also want Bengaluru to grow,” Jamil added.
Jamil played more than 10 matches for India as a midfielder and one of his biggest achievements as a coach includes winning the then top division I-League title with underdogs Aizawl FC in the 2016-17 season.
