Khalid Jamil shrugs off Carlo Ancelotti’s comments, focuses on Panama friendly

Khalid Jamil on Thursday at his pre-match press conference in Bengaluru dismissed Carlo Ancelotti’s remarks about Indian football culture, saying "I don't care. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion." He added, "I just want to focus on tomorrow’s match against Panama."

India are using the current FIFA window to stage a friendly against Panama in Bengaluru and to evaluate a squad that blends established internationals with younger players. Ancelotti, who took charge of Brazil earlier this year, had recently questioned the strength of India’s football culture while stressing the need for stronger grassroots structures ahead of Brazil’s meeting with India in Kolkata next month. Jamil declined to engage in that broader debate, keeping the conversation centred on his team and the forthcoming match.

Asked about his tactical approach to a tougher opponent, Jamil said: “We are playing a stronger team. At the same time, you cannot defend all the time. So there will be a mix of defending and attacking also. According to the situation, we will react.” The coach emphasised adaptability rather than a fixed game plan against Panama.

Jamil has mixed youth and experience in the squad as part of his selection process, with Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Manvir Singh and Anirudh Thapa named among the senior contingent. He indicated that omitting some senior players from this camp should not be interpreted as a permanent exclusion, describing the current setup as an opportunity to give younger players exposure alongside seasoned campaigners.

The Panama friendly is viewed by the coaching staff as a preparatory test ahead of higher-profile fixtures; India will meet Brazil and Uruguay in Kolkata in October. Jamil framed the Panama match as the first of several challenges the team will face during the international window.

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, part of the senior group, reiterated the squad's intent to treat these upcoming fixtures as competitive matches rather than mere occasions to enjoy facing more prominent opponents.

Panama provides India with an immediate examination before the October fixtures against Brazil and Uruguay in Kolkata, and Jamil has made clear his priority is on preparing the team for those sequential tests rather than debating outside commentary.