We need to play our natural game: Khalid Jamil

Khalid Jamil’s men showed great resilience to earn a draw away to Bengaluru FC after the 6-0 mauling by Shillong Lajong. Mumbai FC now face another stern test against Dempo S.C a team whom they have never beaten ever in their history.
Khalid Jamil hailed his team’s performance against Bengaluru FC and felt his side displayed great powers of concentration in a difficult environment. “My players had very high levels of concentrations. Right from the striker to the goalkeeper, everyone was totally focussed. After the game against Shillong I asked my team to go out their and enjoy and forget what happened against Shillong and that worked for us”.
Looking ahead to the game against Dempo, Khalid Jamil is not too bothered about the history and believes it’s a fresh challenge for his side. “We don’t think about what happened in the past. Our focus is completely on the game tomorrow”.
The Mumbai FC coach urged his team not be under pressure and asked them to play their natural game. “We have to play our natural game. It is an important game for us, but we need not feel any pressure. Everyone should go out and keep playing their natural game and the results will come”.
Khalid Jamil has a few injury concerns for tomorrow’s game and is unsure about the fitness of Taisuke Matsugae in midfield. “Taisuke is not fully fit. He is still 50-50. He may or may not play. Justine Stephen is back and Jayesh Rane played ninety minutes last time out and so he should be fine”.
Khalid Jamil is giving his captain and skipper Nidhin Lal time to recover from the 6-0 hammering by Shillong Lajong and claimed the goalkeeper was very upset about the result. “Nidhin was very upset after the game. It was the first time such thing had happened to him and he is still trying to recover from it. So he may or may not play tomorrow”.
Jamil will be hoping his side get back to winning ways at home after three consecutive home games without a win. A win could see Mumbai FC rise to the sixth place in the I-League charts and further increase their gap from the bottom of the table.
Feature / Interviews / Santosh Trophy
Arif Shaikh reflects on Maharashtra’s performance in Hero Santosh Trophy campaign
Arif Shaikh, the striker for Maharashtra in the Hero Santosh Trophy, in an exclusive chat with us speaks about his team’s performance in the campaign, his experience playing under coach…
Indian Super League / Transfer News
Defender Hardik Bhatt joins Mumbai City FC
Rajasthan United right-back Hardik Bhatt has reportedly joined Mumbai City FC on a loan deal for the rest of the season. According to reports, the deal involves a loan fee…
Mumbai Kenkre stun league leaders with late-winner
Mumbai Kenkre FC’s wait for their first points of the new year came to an end with a stunning 2-1 victory over Sreenidi Deccan FC at the Cooperage Stadium in…
Indian Super League / Transfer News
Mumbai City secures the signing of Gyamar Nikum
Amidst interest from multiple ISL clubs, Mumbai City FC have confirmed the signing of Rajasthan United youngster Gyamar Nikum on a five-year deal. The club has reportedly paid an undisclosed…
MFA Elite Division Roundup: KSA maintains lead; India Rush earns first win of the season
The MFA Elite Division saw a flurry of action over the past couple of days, with several teams securing vital wins to keep their hopes of a top-three finish alive….
India to play in Merdeka Cup, confirms AIFF secretary general
There were uncertainties among Indian football fans regarding India’s participation in the competition but AIFF secretary General Shaji Prabhakaran has squashed the rumours Shaji Prabhakaran, the secretary general of AIFF,…
Kenkre FC strengthens defense with signing of Uzbekistan centre-back Samandar Ochilov
Mumbai-based Kenkre FC have announced the signing of Uzbekistan centre-back Samandar Ochilov for the remainder of the 2022/23 season. The 27-year-old defender brings a wealth of experience to the team,…
Lenny Rodrigues returns to FC Goa, Glan Martins leaves on loan
Goa, January 24, 2023: FC Goa have completed the signing of Lenny Rodrigues from fellow Hero Indian Super League (ISL) side ATK Mohun Bagan, the Club can confirm. The midfielder…
ATK Mohun Bagan and FC Goa agree swap deal for midfielders
ATK Mohun Bagan and FC Goa have reportedly agreed to a swap deal for midfielders Glan Martins and Lenny Rodriguez The exact opposite deal happened in January 2021 when Lenny…
India U-17 / International Football
India beat Uzbekistan 2-0 in U-17 friendly in Goa
The Indian U-17 National Team put on an inspired display to emerge 2-0 victorious against their Uzbekistan counterparts in the first of two friendly matches at the Tilak Maidan in…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
Elite Division / MDFA / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…
Sunday Boys to hold trials for MFA 1st Division
MFA 1st division side Sunday Boys FC will be conducting trials in the first week of November for the upcoming football season Sunday Boys Football Club was established in the…
Elite Division / MDFA / Trials
Millat FC to hold trials for MFA Elite Premier League
Millat FC – a club plying their trade in MFA Elite Division will be conducting open trials for their upcoming 2022-23 season Last season Millat had a decent run in…
Elite Division / MDFA / Trials
MFA Elite Division club KSA to conduct trials for the upcoming season
Karnataka Sporting Association (KSA) – a club plying their trade in MFA Elite Division will be conducting open trials for their upcoming 2022-23 season Last season KSA had an amazing…
3rd Division / MDFA / Trials
Young Guns Football Acadmey to conduct trials for their upcoming MFA 3rd Division Campaign
MFA 3rd Division club Young Guns Football Academy will be conducting open trials on October 9th for their upcoming season in Mumbai Football Young Guns Football Academy was founded in…
OSCAR SSE to conduct trials for Youth I League and YPL team in the U13 category in Mumbai
Mumbai-based OSCAR SSE will conduct trials for their Youth I League and YPL team on 16th and 17th July 2022 at Wings Sports Centre ground. Oscar SSE is a 2-star…