I-League 2017/18: Khalid Jamil walks out of press conference after East Bengal fail to win title

East Bengal coach Khalid Jamil walked out of the post-match match conference after he was questioned whether he was a professional or not. During the session, one of the reporters asked about his stay at the club following the I-League, considering that his contract was for two years.

In reply, Khalid said, “I don’t know about that. When I signed, I never saw how many years I was being hired for.”

On hearing this, a reporter retorted, “Are you a professional?”

Without giving any reply, Khalid Jamil decided to end the press conference and stormed out.

East Bengal were in a comfortable position to win their maiden I-League title a few days ago, but their 2-2 draw at Shillong Lajong earlier this week changed the equation. The Kolkata giants needed a win in the last match against NEROCA FC, but were held 1-1 and thus ended their pursuit of the I-League for the season.

East Bengal finished fourth on the standings, behind winners Minerva Punjab, NEROCA FC and arch-rivals Mohun Bagan. Felix Chidi Odili scored in the 43rd minute for NEROCA FC at the Salt Lake Stadium, only for Dudu Omagbemi to score the equaliser in the 73rd minute.

With a possible entry into the Indian Super League on the cards, only time will tell whether Khalid Jamil’s stay at East Bengal will be extended by the management.

Failing to win the top flight league for nearly 15 years has definitely been a disappointment for the passionate supporters, but a good run in the Super Cup will be super imperative to the club and may heal the wounds to some extent.

This year was East Bengal’s best chance to win their first I-League title, but they let the opportunity slip, and would have to wait yet another year to have another shot at a top-flight title.