NorthEast United FC Coach Advocates for Learning Through Competition
Emphasizing Growth Over Rankings
NorthEast United FC head coach Juan Pedro Benali
Guwahati, Oct 11: Juan Pedro Benali, the head coach of NorthEast United FC, asserts that Indian football should prioritize experiences against top-tier teams over its FIFA rankings. He believes that there is no disgrace in losing to superior opponents, provided that players extract valuable lessons from these encounters.
Benali referenced India's recent international friendlies with teams like Panama, Brazil, and Uruguay to highlight the significance of such experiences. India managed a draw against Panama in Bengaluru but faced defeats of 0-4 against Brazil and 1-6 against Uruguay.
He emphasized that the outcomes of these matches should not overshadow the benefits of competing against stronger teams, arguing that development and learning should take precedence over merely chasing ranking points.
“Since my arrival in India, the focus has been on our FIFA ranking, whether it's 89th, 102nd, or 145th. What do we gain from being 145th or 35th?” Benali questioned.
“The key is to have a well-rounded squad.”
He criticized the strategy of selecting opponents solely to enhance rankings, suggesting that victories against weaker teams might yield points but fail to advance Indian football.
“Do you want to be ranked 82nd? Fine, let’s play against Timor-Leste or Zimbabwe. You win, you gain points, but what have you achieved?” he posed.
For Benali, the readiness to compete against elite teams is a crucial step towards improvement. He encouraged Indian players to take pride in facing renowned international footballers, rather than feeling disheartened by significant losses.
“There’s no shame in losing; the real shame is not participating. The national team should feel proud. I may not be Indian, but I take pride in witnessing progress,” he remarked.
Benali also welcomed the presence of international teams in India, citing Brazil's recent match in Kolkata and Panama's game in Bengaluru as opportunities to spark interest and elevate the standard of Indian football.
“We are witnessing Brazil in Kolkata and Panama in Bengaluru. Tomorrow, we will see Spain in Guwahati. This is what we aspire to. Let’s fill the stadium and enjoy the game,” he stated.
He elaborated on how such high-level encounters can benefit players, noting that competing against world-class athletes offers practical lessons that cannot be learned from weaker opponents.
“If I defend against Vinicius (Jr), Raphinha, or (Federico) Valverde, I learn. They might outpace me, but I gain insights on how to handle future challenges. What can I learn from playing against Bangladesh?” he questioned.
Shifting focus to NorthEast United FC, Benali expressed optimism about the team's readiness for their Indian Super League (ISL) opener against Mohun Bagan Super Giant on October 12 at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati.
The Highlanders, who secured consecutive Durand Cup titles in 2024 and 2025 under his guidance, have prioritized competitive preparation over merely engaging in friendly matches.
“We are now a well-balanced team. That’s why we participated in the IFA Shield; we aimed to compete against strong teams rather than just play friendlies in Guwahati. We needed real competition,” he explained.
Benali noted that the squad has developed greater depth and stability over the years, with increased competition for positions and a clearer understanding of the team's needs.
“Every year, our bench grows larger and more stable. The players are aware of their roles, and their hunger for success is greater,” he concluded.