ISL 2024-25: Khalid Jamil hails players for playing collectively according to plan after first-leg semifinal win against MBSG

Jamshedpur FC head coach Khalid Jamil lauded his players for coming up with a collective performance after a 2-1 first-leg semifinal win against Mohun Bagan Super Giant at the JRD Tata Sports Complex Stadium, Jamshedpur in the ongoing Indian Super League on Thursday.

Javi Siverio was able to put the home team in front as he scored in the 24th minute. But the Mariners bounced back in style as Jason Cummings scored in the 37th minute.

However, the Men of Steel were able to take the first-leg advantage as Javi Hernandez scored in the 91st minute.

“Winning at home against a strong team is always a big achievement. The players put in a tremendous effort to get the result,” Jamil said during the post-match press conference.

“The players used their presence of mind, and the experience of the senior players came in handy once again. Collectively, everyone played according to the plan. Our strategy was to counterattack while also focusing on direct play, with special attention to set-piece situations,” he said while being quizzed on their tactical approach.

Towards the fag end, Jamil decided to replace Mohammed Sanan with Ritwik Das, who provided the assist to Javi Hernadez.

“Sanan put in a great effort, so he was a bit tired, which is why I brought in Ritwik. He made a big impact in the last match as well, and he’s a quality player. His experience also played a role,” Jamil said.

The Red Miners will be without the services of defenders Ashutosh Mehta and Stephen Eze in the second leg, who have been suspended after picking yellow cards in the playoffs.

“We have Pratik Chaudhari and Lazar Cirkovic (who can come as replacements), but right now, our priority is player recovery. We will think about the next steps after that,” Jamil commented.

The second leg between Jamshedpur FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giant will be played at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata on Monday.