BENGALURU: Six years after scripting Aizawl FC's fairytale run in Indian football, top coach Khalid Jamil has embarked on another mission, this time in the Garden City, as he takes charge as the head coach of second division club FC Bengaluru United (FCBU).
Former India international Jamil, who became more famous for his coaching skills, the last one being with NorthEast United FC as the first Indian coach of an Indian Super League team, said he didn't think twice before accepting the offer from the Bengaluru Super Division league champions.
"When I spoke to the FCBU people, it took me just a few seconds to take up this job. For me working in all the leagues is equally important - whether it is in ISL or second division I-league. I always had happy memories during my time in Bengaluru and I hope to do well with FCBU. I'm ready for the challenge to take this team to the next level," the 45-year-old Jamil told reporters here.
Regarding the selection of the squad, Jamil said the first preference would be Bengaluru-based players before looking at those from other states. "It's going to be a totally different challenge than what I had with Aizawl. FCBU have done well in the last few seasons and I'm looking to build on the good work done by the previous coach which saw them reach the semifinals of the Durand Cup," he said.
FCBU owner Gaurav Manchanda said the contract with Jamil was till the end of the 2022-23 2nd division I-League. "But we intend to take it forward," Manchanda said. "With Khalid in charge we look forward to an exciting season as we look to find our way to the top tier. We have also appointed John Kenneth Raj as the assistant coach of the first team."
