India head coach responds to Carlo Ancelotti's take on why India has 'poorly-ranked' national team

Khalid Jamil has responded to Carlo Ancelotti by saying "everyone is entitled to their own opinion" after the Brazil head coach offered his thoughts on India's position in the FIFA rankings.

Five-time world champions Brazil will be the overwhelming favourites on October 3, when they take on India at the 85,000-capacity Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.

The Selecao are currently ranked fifth in the FIFA rankings, while Jamil's India sit 138th, despite having an estimated population of over 1.4 billion, which makes it the most populous nation in the world.

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Speaking ahead of next month's friendly, Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti was asked whether he was "surprised" that India, despite being the world's most populous country, has such a poorly-ranked football team.

"I think it's a problem of culture," said Ancelotti, as per the Times of India. "I think it’s a problem of culture. India does not have a culture of football, but they are good in other sports. You have to work on this to build a new generation of players."

Khalid Jamil will be hoping to pull of an almighty upset against Brazil. Image credit: AIFF

He added: “We have to see other nations, other cultures. We are used to playing friendlies with different styles. India will be exciting. It’s true that India does not have a good experience (of playing world-class opponents), but it’s important for us to know how they play."

India head coach Khalid Jamil responds to Carlo Ancelotti comments

It has been a difficult period for India of late, with the national side tumbling down the FIFA rankings and missing out on qualification for both the 2026 World Cup and 2027 Asian Cup.

Shortly after Ancelotti made those comments, India head coach Khalid Jamil was asked to give his response. "I don't care," he replied. "Everyone is entitled to their own opinion."

Jamil added: “My personal target is simple: to prepare the team well and help Indian football move forward. These matches will show us where we stand and what we need to improve."

India will start their international break with a game against Panama on September 25 in Bengaluru. They will then take on Brazil in Kolkata on October 3 before facing Uruguay at the same venue three days later.