‘If we give our best, anything can happen’ — Khalid Jamil & Anwar Ali ahead of India vs Brazil
India head coach Khalid Jamil and defender Anwar Ali addressed the media in Kolkata ahead of India’s October 3 friendly with Brazil at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK). Brazil’s press conference was represented by head coach Carlo Ancelotti and captain Marquinhos.
India will face five-time FIFA World Cup champions Brazil at the VYBK in what the original report describes as one of the biggest fixtures in Indian football history, with the Brazilian squad featuring players such as Vinicius Jr. and Endrick. The comments from Jamil and Anwar came during the hosts’ pre-match media obligations as the team prepared for the match on October 3.
Reflecting on India’s previous outing against Panama, Anwar Ali said, “I think in the last match we played a very good match. But we have to forget that match because we have a very big game tomorrow, and focus on that and give our 100%.” He added, “I think we have to go through our coach’s plans, we have to follow that and on the field, we have to take responsibility, and every player has to prove themselves and give their 100%” and said supporters should judge the team on effort: “For us this is a very big game and who are watching us playing, (I would like them to know) we are giving our 100%. So, whoever is watching they can also support us, so we just have to give our best so that they can do something in India and Indian football.”
Asked about the possibility of scoring against Brazil after India’s previous goal at U-20 level versus Argentina, Anwar said, “If I have a chance to score; I will score but we have other players who take free-kicks and they are better than me of course. But if I get a chance I will score.”
Khalid Jamil acknowledged the quality of Brazil and appealed for backing from critics, saying: “For the match, we have one perspective, that we’re playing against a good team. Playing against Brazil is our pleasure. Players also know that it is an important game. Whoever is criticizing, I don’t want to say anything (to them) except just go support India. Everyone must support India.”
On the mental and physical preparation required, Jamil said: “I don’t understand that no one slept in the night? Like I said, the pressure is there, I won’t lie, the pressure is there but it’s good, we need to take pressure. And yes, talking about sleep everyone knows the importance of this game. And talking about tomorrow we have to give our best and not to take this match lightly at all. This is one of the best game, so we have to perform.” He also outlined the team’s approach and described a brief exchange with Ancelotti: “It’s not like that. Yes, we are playing against a good team, one of the best in the world. But we have to take responsibility and give our best, not to take lightly and the result is not our hand. If we give our best anything can happen.”; “We have to act according to the situation. According to me you must do simple things and not to do extra and we have told the players we are playing with (against) a good team. Any mistake will cost us badly. So, we have to give our best and be cautious.”; “He (Carlo Ancelotti) said normally. He said best of luck, asked me to talk to him after the game. Just a small chat. Nothing much.”
On handling match-day nerves, Jamil said: “Fear will be there so will the pressure. And as I told you pressure will be there. We have to handle the pressure as well. Just go out there and give your best. Whatever responsibility you have been given, you must think on it and do simple things.” Anwar echoed that stance: “Of course we have to take pressure, it’s a very big game. We don’t have to be casual or overthink. We just have to focus, because everyone knows how Brazil plays and what they are. So, we just have to keep calm and give our best.”
India will play Brazil on October 3 at the VYBK Stadium in Kolkata. Khalid Jamil is the head coach of India. The match will be shown live on Sony Sports Ten 2 SD & HD, Sony Aath SD & HD (Bengali) and be available to live stream on Sony LIV.