Khalid Jamil appointed as NorthEast United head coach; becomes the first Indian full time head coach in ISL

Indian Super League side NorthEast United created history by appointing Khalid Jamil as their head coach for the upcoming season.  Jamil took over the reins at the club after Gerard Nus’ dismissal last season and the former Aizawl FC tactician did a fabulous job.

Jamil guided NorthEast United to their best ever finish last season as they finished third in the points table and qualified for the playoffs. Therefore his heroics from last season is getting rewarded as he becomes the first permanent Indian head coach in ISL history.

He joined the Highlanders in 2019 as an assistant coach and head of youth development. However, in the last couple of years, he has grown as a tactician and hence he could deliver in such a crisis for the club last season. After trusting him twice for interim roles the management has finally made him the first permanent Indian head coach in the league.

“I’m feeling good to come back again. I never thought that I’ll be approached (to become the head coach) and it is my pleasure. I want to thank the management, especially John (Abraham) sir for giving me this opportunity,” expressed the newly appointed NorthEast United boss.

The Highlanders were in dire straits last season as they did play some good football under Gerard Nus but were still in the midtable. But with Nus gone, there was panic at the club and right then Jamil steadied the ship and anchored it through to the playoffs after finishing in the third position.

Speaking on last season’s turnaround, Jami said that he enjoyed it a lot with the team. He added, “Yes, the experience was good. Everybody enjoyed the game and they worked hard from the first match till the last match we played. So, this time also, we must work hard and play as a team. Even staff was very good and this time also, everybody is working hard and that is a good point.”

The Highlanders have retains most of their players from last season and have added some great talents including former Mumbai City FC defender Hernan Santana, They have also extended contracts of players like Federico Gallego, Deshorn Brown and Khassha Camara.

“We have a (good) mix of Indian players, who are willing to work very hard. So, overall, it’s a good team and we just have to work hard and play as a team,” he concluded.