We're wolves and we go to win: Juan Pedro Benali ahead of Chennaiyin FC game

Juan Pedro Benali also heaped praise upon NorthEast United forward Parthib Gogoi.

NorthEast United FC opened their 2023-24 ISL campaign with a marginal defeat to the defending league shield winners Mumbai City FC at home. Next up, they host their southern rivals Chennaiyin FC at home.

The Highlanders will be keen to settle scores from last season and get their campaign up and running with some points on the board. Ahead of the game, head coach Juan Pedro Benali and forward Parthib Gogoi addressed the media. 

Thoughts on last game's performance

The head coach reflected upon his side’s performance in the last game and said that they deserved a point in that game.

“Everybody did their job. There are a lot of small games in a 95 minute game and a lot of things change. In the end we deserved more than what the score showed. The most important thing is to keep our heads up for the next game,” he asserted.

Fan Support

Speaking about fans, Juan Pedro Benalo said that he expects the stadium to be fully packed in the upcoming games.

“It was very nice in the last game, but we need more supporters and the stadium to be full. And that is why we give our best to make our supporters come to the match. I know it is too late, 8 o'clock in the evening and transport is difficult."

He also added that when the fans turn up for a match and show their support, the team gets motivated to perform even better.

"But, the ones who came, they pushed us and supported us and we will give everything for them. For us, the fans are the number #1 and when they perform well, we’ll also perform well,” he stated.

Approach going into the game

The head coach was asked if he was looking for a draw against the former champions. He replied, “We don’t go for a draw. Bengaluru FC went for a draw yesterday and lost. Either we win or don’t win. We are wolves and we go to win. This is our mentality and this is NorthEast’s mentality. We go to win for the supporters and everyone.”

Thoughts on Parthib Gogoi

Juan Pedro Benali also shared a few words of encouragement towards his side’s boy wonder Parthib Gogoi. He said, “This gentleman near me is young and is just getting started. Don’t push him. There are stairs and we can’t jump from one stair to the other. He will be a great player. We don’t have to hurry because if we do we’ll lose him.”

Parthib Gogoi’s Comments 

Learnings from the head coach

The forward opened up about his learnings from the head coach. He said that Juan Pedro Benali motivates him a lot and he gets to learn something new from him everyday.

“I’m getting to learn new things everyday. I missed a penalty against East Bengal and since then he has been motivating me and giving me the confidence to perform. He has still kept me in the list of penalty takers to give me confidence.  He is very experienced and he is teaching me new things everyday. The coach also to told me to forget my performance in the last game and focus on the upcoming game,” he concluded.