Indian Football: Crisis Man Khalid Jamil To Take Charge Of Struggling Indian Team

Khalid Jamil, known for his man management skills and 'never give up' attitude, has been appointed as the new coach of the Senior National Football team. The Mumbaikar on Friday became the first Indian to become the head coach of the national football team in 13 years, pipping Stephen Constantine and Stefan Tarkovic to grab the coveted post. The last Indian to serve as the head coach of the national men's team was Savio Medeira, who held the position from 2011 to 2012.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) reportedly received 170 applications for the coach's role, which included big names like former Liverpool stars Robbie Fowler and Harry Kewell. Barca legend Xavi Hernandez's name was also doing the rounds, but the application reportedly turned out from a parody account. AIFF Executive committee selected Jamil over other biggies.

“It is a welcome step that AIFF has shown faith in an Indian coach. It is a matter of pride for every one associated with football coaching in India. There was no better choice than him. He has been at the top as a player and as a coach and his success speaks for him. He has been coach of NorthEast United and Jamshedpur FC off late and has worked with a lot of current Indian National players. They share a good chemistry and he earns a lot of respect for his coaching style. He has the experience and is a role model for every player,” said Sajid Yousuf Dar former coach of the Indian Women's Senior team. Dar and Jamil have done the license coaching courses together and know each other well.

The 48-year-old AFC Pro-License holder coach, joins at a time when Indian football is going downhill. The FIFA ranking of 133 tells the sorry story. The Men in Blue have won just a friendly against Maldives in last eight games under previous coach Manolo Marquez. The return of 40-year-old Sunil Chhetri from retirement highlighted shades of the grim future. With Indian Super League put on hold, there is little hope for football improvement in near future.

But those who know Jamil, understand that the former Indian player is better suited for such circumstances and thrives under tough conditions. When he was coach of now disbanded I-League Club Mumbai FC, he gave tough time to top rivals like Air India despite an average team sans stars. He was known for smart strategy and knew how to survive in the League for more than five years.

“He has never give up attitude that makes him different from other coaches. He loves to take the challenges and never gives up. He is not afraid of failure and knows well how to execute his skills,” said Dar who has coached Indian junior teams also besides women's team, and is currently the regional head of North India as AIFF coach educator.

That's exactly how he will be looking to do with India now. His first aim will be survival as he manages India in the Central Asian Football Association (CAFA) Nations Cup with Iran, Tajikistan and Afghanistan placed in group B with India. The tournament starts from August 29. People called him a defensive coach in Mumbai FC were he managed with limited resources. But he showed if he has the license he can be an attacking coach also and led Aizawl FC to historical 2016-17 I-League triumph ahead of giants like East Bengal and Mohun Bagan.

Jamil will be hoping to show his real self when India play their AFC Asian Cup qualifying round games on October 9 and 14 -- against Singapore home and away.

“He started playing in the MDFA Elite League with our Madanpura based Muslim United Club before moving Mahindra United and Air India. He always showed the spark and gives his everything and knows how to handle every player. He will be keen to do well with the Indian team,” said Mumbai Football Association Vice President Nasir Hussain Ansari. Jamil also played for Mumbai FC briefly before starting coaching career with the same club.