Khalid Jamil is a bitter man these days. The North East United FC (NEUFC) coach, who hit the headlines in the latter part of ISL VII after guiding his team to the semi-finals, said the mindset of the foreign coaches need to change.
His performance as an interim coach last season earned him a full-time job at the NEUFC before ISL VIII started but things started getting out of hand after the initial days.
“Suddenly the management brought in a technical director (TD) and that disturbed the equilibrium. I kept mum for the team’s sake. And the TD started treating me like dirt. I am the head coach yet I have no clue about the team composition and strategies,” Jamil told The Telegraph.
The NEUFC management appointed Ohad Efrat as the TD for better results and the Israeli is calling the shots since ‘taking over’. NEUFC, after Friday’s 2-3 loss to Jamshedpur FC, remain 10th in the points table with 13 points from 19 matches. They play their last match against SC East Bengal on Monday.
“The problem is foreign coaches think the Indians do not have any understanding of the game. It’s happening in every team in ISL. Most of the Indians are keeping mum because we, in general are patient and do not want to disturb the team’s morale. The foreign coaches have huge egos and think they are the best in the business. For example, our TD was livid that I did not give him credit last year when we were getting results. Why should I when he was not in the decision-making. This year he is trying to settle scores.”
Khalid has also some harsh words for the players. “They complained I am making them work hard. Now what do they expect? A 15-minute training session? I wanted them to practise twice daily and they acted as if it was a mistake on my part. The senior foreign players started to fan trouble in the dressing room. There are too many groups,” the 44-year-old said.
Asked why he was speaking now when there was just one match left in the season, Khalid said: “I did it for the team’s sake. I kept quiet despite all the humiliation heaped on me because I wanted the league to end,” he said.
Khalid, however, has all the good things to say about owner John Abraham. “I have highest respect for John sir.”
Indian coaches being getting a raw deal in ISL is something that’s being spoken about in a hush-hosh tone. Nobody wants to go on record, but it’s something everyone is aware of. One Indian coach who refused to be named said Jamil’s case is not an isolated one. “Yes these things happen in most of the teams. Now who brings in the foreign coaches. It’s the Indian owners. When the team management has no faith in Indian coaches what can you do?” the Indian coach said.