NorthEast United FC may have lost the second leg semifinal against ATK Mohun Bagan on Tuesday, but head coach Khalid Jamil has his head high as he praised his players for their hard work and their progress in the latest edition of the Indian Super League.
“In the first half, they (ATKMB) played very well. I think it was a miscommunication between the players. But then we went into the dressing room and solved the problem. Second-half we played better, got the chances. But I’m proud of the players, they worked very hard,” Jamil said after the match.
Mohun Bagan defeated a spirited NEUFC 2-1 (3-2 on aggregate) on Tuesday to seal their ISL final berth. David Williams and Manvir Singh scored for the Mariners before Suhair Vadakkepeedika netted one for the Highlanders.
“There were many complaints about how we are going to play. We decided on one. But they played differently. Then I told them we must think about one (way) so just stick to that and be patient as we are going to put another striker and play attacking (football),” he added.
Jamil also lauded the effort put in by league officials, referees, groundsmen and his team’s staff members, and thanked them for the “wonderful job” they did on the tournament.
He further said that his stint as NEUFC coach gave him the confidence to do his job right.
“As I said you must give confidence to Indian coaches because foreign coaches are good. But Indian coaches are also capable. They only need a chance and can prove themselves,” he said, adding that he is open to continue as coach with the Highlanders.
“I just finished this season. Whatever JB (co-owner Jayabalan) sir says, I will do that. If he wants me to continue I will do,” Jamil added.
ATKMB will now face finalists and League Shield Winners Mumbai City FC in the ISL title clash on Saturday. Mohun Bagan have also qualified for the AFC Cup group stages after
finishing second in the league and qualifying for the final.
