NorthEast United FC coach Juan Pedro Benali said the club will head into the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season with confidence on the back of winning their first trophy in the club’s history following their Durand Cup triumph.
Addressing the media today in Guwahati, Benali stated, “We want to hold our heads high in confidence, but at the same time, we want to keep our feet on the ground,” speaking about the success of the recent trophy. He mentioned that it was crucial to work hard consistently and pointed out that in football, when you win, you’re considered the best, and when you lose, you’re seen as the worst. He acknowledged that while the team wasn’t very bad before and isn’t exceptionally good today, they continue to work hard with the goal of winning every match.
Benali also mentioned that the club will focus on each game individually and not set their goals too high. “Right now, our entire focus is on the first game against Mohammedan SC. We are not thinking beyond that,” he said.
The Highlanders defeated defending ISL champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant in penalties in the final, and that provided the team ample confidence heading into the long ISL season.
NorthEast United FC CEO Mandar Tamhane, who joined the club last season after a 10-year-long stint with Bengaluru FC, stated that the Durand Cup triumph has set the club on the right path. He also added that the club’s aspiration is to play and qualify for the AFC Cup, and that the result will inspire several teams in Indian football.
The first match for NorthEast United FC will be against Mohammedan SC in Kolkata on Monday, September 16. The club will play their first home game on September 29 against Kerala Blasters.
The ISL 2024-25 season is expected to kick off on September 13 with a match between Mohun Bagan and ISL Cup winners Mumbai City FC to begin the new season.
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