'Criticize or insult me, not players' - Juan Pedro Benali reacts to fans going against his team

Juan Pedro Benali stood by goalie Mirshad Michu after the comments which were made against him by fans.

After a disappointing 2-2 draw against the Nizams in Hyderabad, NorthEast United FC return to their base in Guwahati to face off against Punjab FC. The Highlanders will play at home after a run of three back-to-back away games.

Punjab FC have found a new look since their last meeting with the Highlanders and are still in the playoffs race which makes this game very important for either side. Ahead of the game, NorthEast United FC’s head coach Juan Pedro Benali addressed the media and shared his thoughts.

Gurmeet’s participation

The Highlanders have roped in the services of young goalkeeper Gurmeet SIngh on a free transfer. When asked about the chances of Gurmeet’s participation in the upcoming game, the head coach replied and said, “Gurmeet (Singh) has trained with us yesterday and today. We will see tomorrow.”

Support towards Mirshad Michu

The 54-year-old backed goalkeeper Mirshad Michu who has been heavily criticized by the fans due to his performance in the last game.

“A lot of people are killing Mirshad. Sometimes they applaud. Sometimes, they say he’s very bad. Yesterday he was not very good, and today he’s not very bad. They’re doing their job, and they make mistakes like we all do. And the first one responsible is me if we don’t win. Insult me, criticize me, everything. But not my children. They’re players, they’re doing their job as best as they can. They’re honest and loyal people, and they’re fighting for the name of NorthEast. If the people love NorthEast, they should respect them. We’re asking for respect,” he stated.

Support towards the team

Juan Pedro Benali showed his support towards his team and narrated an incident of an unknown fan sending him a message.

“I just received a message last night. I don’t know who gave my phone number. I received a message from a fan that said he loves NorthEast, is waiting for 10 years for the club to win a trophy, and shame on me as a coach. We didn’t win a trophy this season.”

He also said, “With all my respect, I respect everybody’s opinion. But to become a coach, a pro-license coach, I studied seven years. 25 years working everywhere to end up here. And the most important, I will never criticize a doctor, an architect or an engineer. But football is like this. Everybody is a coach. This is why I say criticize me, insult me, but leave the players. These are the only players we have. If we criticize them, we insult them.

“And put them as the worst in the world because we didn’t win. What happened? You’re against your team. You’re not a fan of the team. You’re against it. And that fan who told me, shame on me, I respect him. Yes, Shame on me, we didn’t win a trophy this year,” he added.

Thoughts on Punjab FC

The head coach shared his thoughts on Punjab FC and said that they are a very good team with dangerous attacking players.

“We know how Punjab play. They’re a very good attacking team with three very dangerous players on the front. Now it’s our turn. We too have very good and dangerous players. And we need to play as we know. If we do our job, we can take the points. But with all the respect for Punjab,” he revealed.

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