Juan Pedro Benali signs a brand-new contract extension with NorthEast United FC

The Highlanders have locked down the Spanish head coach with new contract till 2027.

Indian Super League (ISL) club NorthEast United FC has announced that head coach Juan Pedro Benali has signed a new two-year contract extension with the club. The Spaniard is committing his future to the club until the end of the 2026-27 season after leading the team to their first ISL playoffs since 2020-21 season.

The 55-year-old, who took charge of the Highlanders in May 2023, has overseen a remarkable transformation, guiding the team enroute to playoff qualification this season. The Spaniard’s impact was immediate, leading NorthEast United FC to the semi-finals of the Durand Cup and narrowly missing out on the ISL playoffs by one point during the 2023-24 season.

The Spaniard has delivered unprecedented success with the young core by leading NorthEast United FC to clinch the 2024 Durand Cup. The tournament victory marked the first major silverware in club history and secured a long-awaited return to the ISL playoffs. The new two-year deal between the club and the coach emphasizes how the club sees him being a part of their long-term vision.

Club leadership have showed great trust in Benali

Following the announcement, NorthEast United FC owner John Abraham hailed Benali’s leadership and expressed excitement about the contract extension. He also shared how they felt the Spaniard was the right man to nurture and lead the young talent towards the future.

He stated, “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.”

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NorthEast United FC holds a special place in Benali’s heart

The Spaniard spoke passionately about his connection with the club and his belief in its future. While emphasizing his passion for what’s next, he stated,“I have truly special feelings for this football club. With John and Mandar, we have a clear vision of what we want to build. After two seasons, I feel at home at NorthEast United FC, with this incredible bunch of players, the coaching staff, and the other staff.”

While describing the club to be united as one big family, Benali shared his belief that the club is moving in the right direction. He also shared optimism towards delivering to the demanding NorthEast fans what they deserve.

Stability and youth development key for the club

The club’s CEO Mandar Tamhane highlighted the need and importance of continuity in the club’s long-term strategy. Re-signing the Spaniard for two more years is the club’s reflection of sticking to that strategy.

He stated, “Continuity is the cornerstone of our project at NorthEast United FC. Extending Juan’s contract was an easy decision. It is a reflection of our dedication 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.”

After tying down Benali with the new contract, NorthEast United FC is not only celebrating its best season in recent history but also laying the foundation for sustained growth. With the club preparing for a successful ISL playoffs campaign, fans will be hopeful that this renewed commitment leads to even greater achievements in the coming seasons.

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