The man who made history guiding Aizawl FC to I-League glory on Monday started his new assignment as the head coach of East Bengal. “To be taking over the reins of a traditionally great club like East Bengal is a big honour for me. I know the challenge is big but I have accepted it,” Jamil said after the team’s first practice of the season.
Jamil’s arrival has renewed the hopes in East Bengal, which aims to win its first I-League crown after 13 years of abortive attempts.
Having signed three foreigners – Syrian midfielder Mahmoud Al Amna and Trinidad and Tobago defender Carlyle Mitchell while retaining the other Trinidadian striker Willis Plaza - for the upcoming Calcutta football league, East Bengal will be announcing the Indian players in the squad after the trials.
“This is a side with a lot of changes where around 90 percent of the players will be new, and out of which many will be juniors. We will need some time to assess the full potential of the side,” Jamil said about the composition of the side.
“We look to make good start in the first match. That is the aim right now,” Jamil said as East Bengal set its sights on extending the record to eighth straight triumph in the Calcutta Football League, which is scheduled to start early next month.
“I believe in mixing with the seniors and juniors with equal intensity. I talk to everyone looking to find the best out of each player. I look for an atmosphere where my team tries to perform to its potential and try to justify the faith of the millions of fans,” the coach set the tempo for the new season.
Jamil said he will plan a residential pre-season camp soon. “I know we have less time but we are dealing with professional players, including the foreigners, who know how to adjust to the situations,” Jamil said.
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