Kolkata: Kingfisher East Bengal appoints their first ever Indian pro-licensed coach as I-League winning coach Khalid Jamil has been officially unveiled at the club today as their new coach for the forthcoming season. Khalid arrived at Kolkata around 12 o’clock in the afternoon. He went directly to the club then, checked the gallery, the club premises, the gym and the other surroundings before going to the official press conference.
In the press meet Khalid told, “I have joined East Bengal for two reasons. Firstly, red and yellow are my favourite colours. Secondly, the fantastic fans the club has over the years.” Khalid added, “I had other offers from ISL clubs as well. But I decided to take this as a fresh challenge when Nitu da came with the proposal”.
Khalid was asked why he took this risk knowing uncertain future of the I-League clubs. He replied, “Ultimately, the club will play football only and my job will be to concentrate on that only.” Khalid also stated that he won’t have any problem in working with the Manoranjan Bhattacharya’s advisory committee.
The club is yet to win an I-League title and Khalid had to face the question as well on that. But the soft-spoken coach replied, “Right now, my entire focus is on the first match. I’m not thinking too much about the other things.”
Khalid was offered many times in his playing days but he never responded. But Khalid said, “Whatever happens, it happens for good. That time it wasn’t possible but this is reality now. I’m in this club.”
Khalid heaped praise and gratitude towards Stephen Constantine as he said, “I have learned the techniques to manage the young players from Stephen. That has helped me.” He added, “But my idol is Wim Koevermans, as I got the Pro-License degree from him”.