Gurpreet Singh Sandhu:<\/b> India head coach Khalid Jamil refused to single out goalkeeper and captain Gurpreet Singh Sandhu after India\u2019s 4-0 defeat to Brazil in their international friendly in Kolkata on Saturday, saying the heavy loss was the result of mistakes across the team rather than an individual failure.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Gurpreet was substituted at half-time after Brazil established control during the opening 45 minutes, but Jamil was quick to reject any suggestion that the goalkeeper should carry the responsibility for the result. The India coach instead pointed to collective lapses against a Brazil side capable of capitalising on even the smallest defensive error.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cYou cannot blame Gurpreet. He is one of the best goalkeepers in India. But you cannot judge him on two matches. So, it\u2019s not just because of Gurpreet. The defenders also didn\u2019t close down. So, overall, everybody\u2019s mistake,\u201d Jamil was quoted by AIFF.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The defeat came against a Brazil side led by Carlo Ancelotti and featuring Vin\u00edcius J\u00fanior, giving India an opportunity to measure themselves against opposition from the highest level. Jamil acknowledged the quality of the challenge and said the biggest lesson for his players was the need for concentration throughout the contest.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIf you play with a good team, you make one mistake, and they finish,\u201d he said. \u201cFor that, concentration should be good, and you have to be alert.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Jamil also spoke about his interaction with Ancelotti after the match. The Brazil coach offered words of encouragement to his Indian counterpart after watching his side secure a comfortable victory.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cHe said that you played very well. Just take it up.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The India coach was equally complimentary when asked about Ancelotti, describing the veteran Italian as a coach from whom there was plenty to learn.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cYes, he\u2019s very good. A gentleman. He\u2019s very simple,\u201d Jamil said. \u201cTechnically, what to learn from him? Many things.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite the scoreline, Jamil believes India\u2019s exposure to teams of Brazil\u2019s stature can be valuable in their development. Rather than allowing the result to define the experience, he stressed the importance of giving the team more opportunities to compete at this level.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe more you play, the better,\u201d he said. \u201cYou have to play more matches. You have to have experience.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Jamil also maintained his blunt approach when asked to assess India\u2019s performance out of 10. With Brazil having scored four times, the coach was unwilling to offer a generous assessment simply because of the stature of the opposition.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI have got zero points,\u201d he said. \u201cNext question, please.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Jamil also maintained his blunt approach when asked to assess India\u2019s performance out of 10. With Brazil having scored four times, the coach was unwilling to offer a generous assessment simply because of the stature of the opposition.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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