NorthEast United FC ever since it’s inception had a tag of underachievers to their name having failed to taste the success in last years. Come the summer of 2023, the new formed management under the leadership of Mandar Tamhane decided to rope in a certain Madrid-born Spainard Juan Pedro Benali.
He was not just another Spanish tactician coming to India. He was tasked of giving the North-East club an identity, a playing style and a long-awaited title for the region that produces majority of footballers in the country.
Juan came to India with 25-years of prior experience in management and in his just second season incharge, Juan Pedro Benali delivered the Durand Cup defeating host and heavyweights in the final .
Benali has worked all across the globe from Europe to Japan and from UAE to Morrocco before heading down to Guwahati working in different conditions and different style of play.
Juan Pedro Benali has very strong opinions and he is very vocal about it in front of the media. In an exclusive discussion with Field Vision, Northeast United FC’s head coach opened up about his journey in Indian football, his experiences coaching across continents, and his vision for NorthEast United FC.
Here’s a look at the highlights from the conversation:
On Coming to India
In his 25-year experience in management Benali worked with many coaches and players before coming to India and one such gentleman was Stuart Baxter who he worked with as an assistant in the Finland National Team. Speaking of his decision he shared,
“Before coming to India, I spoke with many coaches and players who had been here—Sergio, Stuart Baxter, Javi Pinillos, as well as Moroccan and Spanish players like Mourtada Fall my ex players. Their feedback was positive, but the reality is better than what I expected.”
Indian Football vs. Other Nations
Having coached in Europe, Africa, and Asia, Benali finds India’s football scene unique. He sees immense potential but feels certain priorities need a shift. He said,
“India just needs to focus more on what’s important. Facilities are great, but we need more regular competition at all levels—youth leagues, reserve teams, non-stop matches. This builds the rhythm players need to transition to first teams.”
According to Benali, consistent youth leagues and structured reserve teams are essential for developing talent that’s ready for top-tier competition.
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He also pointed out technological restrictions in India, something he feels limits the teams taking part in the competition.
“In every other country, teams can use real-time data on the bench, but not here. It’s time we embrace technology to support player development. More immediate information equals better in-game tactics, which will improve both players and the game.”
Insights from Moroccan Football
Juan Pedro Benali has worked for 6 years in Moroccan Football. Given Morocco’s recent successes in the previous edition of FIFA World Cup and the talents coming out of that country, Benali believes India can learn a lot from the North African nation’s developmental model. Morocco invested heavily in community football fields, building pitches for communities of all sizes. He suggested;
“They have artificial fields everywhere, so kids play all day. India has vast space; similar infrastructure would create more opportunities for young players.”
He emphasized that Morocco’s community focus and high-quality academies have established a strong pipeline of talent.
Drawing a comparison with Morocco and India he said,
“It’s like Morocco has a lot of clowns, but not the circus. In India you have the circus, but not many clowns.”
Where he drew parallels between the league and number of players that played.
Challenges at Northeast United FC
Discussing Northeast United’s journey, Benali acknowledged the budget constraints, but he commended the commitment of the players.
“When I came, I believed in these players. We didn’t change much from last season, but with a little more support and confidence, we can now play head-to-head with any team.”
He noted the difficulty in attracting players due to budget limitations, but he’s proud of what the team has achieved with a focus on fostering a supportive team culture.
On Former National Team Coach Igor Stimac
Benali had often criticized former India head coach Igor Stimac during the last season. He accused Stimac of making poor selections and not turning up for ISL games.
All across the globe, the National Team head coach turns up for games at the stadium. The head coach shares opinions on players with club coaches. They talk about the players the National Team head coach is willing to call up.
He addressed misunderstandings with Igor Stimac stating
“My issue with Igor wasn’t personal. He criticized domestic coaches without knowing us. But he never came to see our work, never reached out. Manolo, on the other hand, is constantly engaged with club coaches, seeking insights on players’ performances and mentality,”
Benali believes in open communication between club and national team management for optimal player development.
Development of the League and the Competition this season
The Indian Super League is just picking up pace this season and the difference between the club is very minimal reckons Benali, yet he feels there’s room for improvement.
“We have better players and coaches now, and the league is more competitive than last season. There’s still work to be done on the scheduling, though, as irregular match timings affect player fitness and performance. We need a schedule that considers player welfare, not just television slots.”
He added, urging a more player-centric approach to enhance the league’s overall quality.
On India’s FIFA Ranking
Benali believes that the current FIFA rankings indicator is not accurate. He thinks better ranking can be achieved by playing against lower ranked sides. However, the true potential can only be seen by playing against higher ranked opponents.
“If we want to climb rankings, we could just play weaker teams, but that’s not the point. What matters is development at youth levels. We need our under-17, under-19 teams playing in major competitions. That will eventually elevate the national team.”
He reiterated his belief in long-term growth over quick fixes.
Personal Reflections and Favorites
A seasoned coach with a career dating back to 1998, Benali has countless memories from his time in Europe, Asia, and Africa. Asked about his favorite Indian food, he was quick to praise Kerala Paratha, and he enjoys Assamese tea. As for football, Diego Maradona stands out as his all-time favorite player, while Arrigo Sacchi is his preferred coach.
A fan of both Messi and Ronaldo, Benali appreciates the contrasting styles of Mourinho and Guardiola but prefers Mourinho for his pragmatic approach.
He also took a moment to reflect on the people he worked with who passed away due to the severe storm and floods in Spain. Our condolences go out to the people of Spain during this tough times.
Looking Ahead
Northeast United FC has decided to play the last three gome games at Shillong which has received mix opinions from the Highlanders faithfuls from the stand. Few of the fans have welcomed this move while most of the them showed their displeasure with banners as a form of protest.
When questioned on his opinions of playing in Shillong , Benali responded by saying.
“Shillong has always welcomed us. Great weather, fantastic facilities—I can’t wait for our games here against strong teams.”
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In his closing remarks, Benali’s passion for both the game and his team was unmistakable. He believes in Northeast United FC’s potential to compete at the highest level and envisions a bright future for Indian football with the right focus on grassroots development, technology, and player welfare.
Through his words, it’s clear that Benali’s journey with Northeast United FC and in Indian football is not just professional but personal. As he continues to work with the team, he remains hopeful about transforming Northeast United into a competitive powerhouse and contributing to India’s football renaissance.
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