I-League 2017: Khalid Jamil aims to win the top flight to make it two in two years

EAST BENGAL HAVE the I-League winning coach with them and can start to be more hopeful than ever before.

With the sole exception of the 2014-15 season when arch-rivals Mohun Bagan won the Hero I-League, Kingfisher East Bengal have finished inside the Top 3 for the last 7 years. They have also been the runners-up thrice during that period. But despite their consistency, the Hero I-League trophy has continued to elude them.

Thus the inclusion of I-League winning coach Khalid Jamil with some notable signings like Yusa Katsumi and Mahmoud Al Amna might just be what the doctor ordered for the Kolkata Giant.

“I like new challenges in life. I wanted to do something for Kingfisher East Bengal and hence I’m here”, quipped Head coach Khalid Jamil when asked why he chose to come to the Red and Gold brigade.

“The goal is simple, that is to win the Hero I-League”, making his intentions crystal clear.

Prod him on why East Bengal hasn’t been able to get past the line in the past editions Khalid chose not to comment on past failures and concentrated on the path that lies ahead,

“What’s in the past is past. Yes, it is a big challenge for us and we have to accept it with open arms.”

With all the I-League sides sporting a new look this season, the coach showed full faith and confidence in his bunch.

“I’m happy with all the players that I have in my squad. It will be a task not only for the juniors but for the seniors as well to adapt to a fresh system. But I think the team is highly capable of achieving its goals.”

“You also cannot take any team for granted as all are good and have done their preparations. So if you take any team lightly it can cost you a lot. Two new teams have come into the league and they can prove to be tricky for all of us”, he added on a cautionary note.

Kingfisher East Bengal open their Hero I-League sojourn with a home match against defending champions Aizawl FC.

AIFF media release

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