ISL a great platform for Indians to learn from foreigners: FC Pune City's Adil Khan

Mumbai: FC Pune City’s new signing Adil Khan has stated that the Indian Super League (ISL) was a great platform for Indians to perform well, especially for the youngsters.

“With the Indian national team’s rankings having come up, I can say, it is because of Indians playing with quality foreigners. The Indian players have been learning a lot. I think it is improving, with the youngsters performing well. They are fighting it to make it into the national team, which makes a great competition for each other,” he said.

Adil Khan, who has only represented the Indian national team thrice since making his debut against Azerbaijan in 2012, said that he was hoping a call-up to the national team after a decent run with Churchill Brothers in the I-League season that went by.

“I was expecting an India call-up after playing for Churchill Brothers. I completed the season very well. It was unfortunate that I could not make it. But, I am looking forward to the upcoming season, I am ready to impress my coach to hopefully get a call-up for the national team again,” he stated.

With the introduction of FC Bengaluru and Jamshedpur FC to the league, the centre-back commented that having experienced players in their side will make the competition tougher.

“Of course, I am expecting some tough competition in the Indian Super League. Last time, when I played for Delhi Dynamos it was a tough one with eight teams. Benguluru FC have a good side, having played against them before in the I-League. Even Jamshedpur, who are also new, have experienced players. So, yes, I am looking forward to it,” he further stated.

FC Pune City have not qualified for the knock-out stage in the league’s three year history, having finished below the top five in all seasons.

The fourth edition of the Indian Super League will kick off in October, and will run alongside the I-League. The extended season will go for over four months, which will conclude in March.