HT Digital
Mar 23: Indian Super League (ISL) side NorthEast United FC (NEUFC) has confirmed a two-year contract extension with head coach Juan Pedro Benali, securing his role at the club until the conclusion of the 2026-27 season. The official announcement was made on Saturday through the ISL website, marking a significant milestone in the club’s future plans.
Benali, who took charge of the Highlanders in May 2023, has played a pivotal role in the club’s revival. His influence was immediately apparent as he led the team to the semi-finals of the historic Durand Cup in his first assignment. Under his leadership, NEUFC came remarkably close to securing an ISL playoff spot, finishing just one point shy of the top six. This performance laid a solid foundation for the club’s aspirations moving forward.
Related Posts:
The current season has been particularly successful under Benali’s guidance. NEUFC achieved a historic feat by winning the Durand Cup, marking the club’s first-ever major silverware. Additionally, the team secured a spot in the ISL playoffs for the first time in four years, finishing in fourth place in the league standings. This accomplishment has granted them a crucial home advantage for their upcoming playoff match against Jamshedpur FC.
NEUFC owner John Abraham expressed his excitement at the contract extension, praising Benali’s leadership and commitment to the club’s vision. “I am ecstatic that our head coach, Juan Pedro Benali, has signed a new contract with the club. The way Juan has built this team is commendable, with his insatiable hunger for improvement and success. We have a vision for the club, and with Juan at the helm, we believe we can build something meaningful at NorthEast United FC,” Abraham said, as quoted by the official ISL website.
Benali himself shared his enthusiasm for continuing his journey with the Highlanders, emphasizing his deep connection with both the club and its players. “I have truly special feelings for this football club. With John and Mandar, we have a clear vision of what we want to build at this club. After two seasons, I feel at home at NorthEast United FC, with this incredible bunch of players, the coaching staff, and the other staff. We are one big family, we’re moving in the right direction, and together we can build something meaningful at NorthEast that the fans will be proud of,” he remarked.
NEUFC CEO Mandar Tamhane echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of continuity in the club’s long-term project. “Continuity is the cornerstone of our project at NorthEast United FC. Extending Juan’s contract was an easy decision. It reflects our commitment to stability and our vision of empowering youth. We believe this long-term project will have a profound and lasting impact on football development in Northeast India and Indian football,” Tamhane said.
With Benali’s contract extension, NorthEast United FC is poised to build on its recent success and continue its upward trajectory in Indian football. The decision signals a strong commitment to sustained growth, as the club looks to solidify its place as a formidable force in the league in the years to come.
