We will attack East Bengal from minute one: Khalid Jamil

by Kaushal Shukla January 17, 2016

Mumbai FC begin their home campaign in the 2016 Hero I-League on Sunday when title contenders East Bengal come calling to Cooperage. Mumbai FC were a force to reckon with on home soil having lost just twice last season, a fact the visitors East Bengal know all too well having come unstuck in a 2-1 defeat in Mumbai at the end of the last campaign.

Having earned a valuable point, from a 0-0 draw in Shillong last week, Khalid Jamil has prompted a change in gears from his side, who according to the gaffer will attack East Bengal from minute one. “Last week we were slightly defensive being away from home, but on Sunday we will attack from start to end. I feel we need to be on the front foot if we are to win against East Bengal,” Jamil opined as he spoke to the media ahead of the game.

Mumbai FC have won just once on the road since the start of the last season, but with six draws in their last six games on the road, it is the home form that would have to be the spring board for Mumbai FC’s season to take off. Khalid Jamil’s pre-match words seemed Mumbai FC would target full points at Cooperage, irrespective of the team facing them. “We all know how vital this game is for us and being at home, we must go for the three points. A good start is key to where we finish at the end of the season, so the game against East Bengal is critical to our season,” added Jamil.

East Bengal have been absolutely flying since Biswajit Bhattacharya took charge of the club in June and stormed to their sixth consecutive Calcutta Football League title. Their come from behind win against Sporting Club de Goa was a testimony to their quality and character. Khalid Jamil acknowledged the opponent’s might and conceded that his side would have to go through a very difficult game. “I have seen East Bengal play this season and I must say they are really strong. They play some wonderful football and we will have a very difficult game tomorrow,” admitted Khalid Jamil who showed plenty of respect to East Bengal.

The Cooperage faithful played a big part in Mumbai’s strong show at home in the previous campaign and the Mumbaib FC Head Coach paid his tribute to the fans, calling for a repeat of last year’s backing. “I have to say that the crowd supported us really well last season. It did help us a lot in games and I expect it to be more of the same this year,” Jamil added.

My aim is to help Mumbai FC win the I-League: Min Chol Son

Never before have talks of a title challenge been seriously entertained even by the most ardent Mumbai FC supporters, but suggestions of a title tilt have been given a lot more consideration, as a belief of the unexpected is beginning to grow around Cooperage.

The wave has certainly caught up with new signing Min Chol Son who expressed his ambition of winning the I-League ahead of the East Bengal clash. “Mumbai FC has a great side and my aim is to finish at the top when the season ends. I think it is possible and I will aim for that,” declared a bullish Min Chol Son.