New Delhi, June 2: Kerala Blasters head coach Ashley Westwood has stirred controversy in Indian football after publicly criticising Indian senior men’s national team coach Khalid Jameel, claiming that the latter lacks the expertise required to take the national side forward.
Westwood expressed doubts over the All India Football Federation’s decision to appoint Jameel as head coach of the national team.“India have chosen the wrong coach. In my opinion, Khalid Jameel doesn’t know football. We’ll have to wait and see if he improves. But in my opinion, it’s unlikely,” Westwood said.
The Englishman further claimed that several Indian players were not enthusiastic about working under Jameel, although he did not reveal any names.A former defender and graduate of Manchester United’s academy, Westwood has built an extensive coaching career across Asia. He took charge of Kerala Blasters FC in March 2026 with the aim of reviving the club’s Indian Super League campaign. (Agencies)
