We provided everyone an opportunity to participate: Khalid Jamil head coach of NorthEast United FC.

NorthEast United FC drew 1-1 with SC East Bengal at the Tilak Maidan Stadium in Goa to end their last league game of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2021-22 season.

Khalid Jamil, the head coach of NEUFC, was upset with his team’s performance this season and stated that they fell short of the goals they set for themselves.

The Highlanders grabbed the lead in the game with a Marco Sahanek goal in the 45th minute but were levelled early in the second half by an Antonio Perosevic penalty.

Khalid Jamil addressed the media after the game in the post-match press conference.

Here are some excerpts from his press conference:

This result ensures that you won’t finish bottom of the table. Is that a small win for you?

Yeah, that is also there, it is good that at least we drew, and we are up. It is good motivation for the players.

What have you learned from this season?

The biggest learning I’ve got is that I got more chances for seven-eight matches. We tried our best because in the ISL, there was a lot more tough competition this year. All the teams are good. So, we got this experience and the second thing, it is good that we tried all the players, and that is a good point. We gave everybody a chance to play.

You have another year left in your contract at the club. What has been your vision for the last few years? What is your vision going forward?

Yeah, talking about this. Before we started the season, I spoke to John sir and Priya madam, and they told me that they want to win the cup. But unfortunately, I was not up to the mark this year. We, everybody tried. I’m not blaming the players; I’m talking about myself. But I tried my best, but the results were not favouring us. And talking about next year, yes, I have one year contract with them and let’s see what the future is.

Where do you think points about you could have done better, or you could have done better?

Yeah, talking about the club. They gave us everything. Whatever I told them, they gave us. There is no complaint about it. Talking about this only it was a big problem in our football, that we didn’t win the games initially. Then in the middle, we got injuries to some players. Then we brought in new players, and they also need some time. Then I tried my best in seven-eight matches and then a new person came in and he also tried. So, it was a mix.

Anything that you want to share as a parting word for the fans?

Yeah, I just want to say that we are disappointed here. But we must take it as an experience. We must bounce back again, and everything will be fine if we work hard.