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.
Benali, who joined the club in May 2023, has ignited a transformative period for NorthEast United FC. His impact has been immediate and profound, steering the team to unprecedented heights.
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 the 2020-21 season.
In his first assignment, he guided the Highlanders to the semi-finals of the historic Durand Cup and took the club to within one point of ISL playoffs qualification, laying a strong foundation for future success.
The club achieved a historic milestone by clinching the 2024 Durand Cup title. The tournament victory marked the first major silverware in club history.
Furthermore, the team has secured a coveted spot in the Indian Super League (ISL) playoffs after a four-year hiatus, showcasing significant progress and fulfilling the aspirations of fans across the Northeast.
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.
NorthEast United FC owner John Abraham hailed Benali’s leadership and expressed excitement about the contract extension.
“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.
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“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 continuity 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,” CEO Mandar Tamhane said.
