On the eve of NorthEast United FC’s Indian Super League (ISL) opener against East Bengal FC, head coach Juan Pedro Benali struck a deeply emotional yet clear-headed note, calling on fans to rally behind their teams while keeping the bigger picture of Indian football in mind.“It’s easy to criticise on social media. Buy the tickets to watch your team, be it NorthEast United FC, East Bengal FC or Kerala Blasters FC, make people feel that football is important,” he said, before adding, “Rather than sitting at home and criticising, not watching the games, come to the stadiums.”
The 56-year-old Spaniard emphasised that even small acts of support can make a meaningful difference, urging fans to go the extra mile for their clubs and the sport.“We know it is a difficult moment, but support your team. Just for that Rs 100, Rs 200 or Rs 50 (match ticket price), it’s money. The sacrifice that you make by travelling to watch the game, be it 10, 20, 50, or 80 km, is a sacrifice. But when you make that sacrifice, you earn the right to criticise, and you can say, I helped my club,” Benali added.While acknowledging the frustrations surrounding Indian football, Benali made it clear that fans are fully entitled to express their views — but insisted that criticism should be matched with action.“The national team is not doing well, because of this, that… I understand. It’s your right (to voice your opinion). Do it, but also help. Rs 200 for each game. Go to the FanCode, pay Rs 299 for the season pass. Buy the subscription to watch NorthEast United FC (Team Pass). That’s what we’re asking from the fans. That’s the support. That’s the help. This is where the clubs can feel that they have (supporting) hands, and not the fans who only talk,” he said.In a call for unity during what he described as a challenging phase, Benali urged supporters to stand by their teams regardless of results or circumstances.“It is not a moment to say NorthEast will not do well or go to the second division. No, it is a moment to be with everyone, regardless of the results. Be with your team, your players,” he added.He signed off with a broader appeal, urging the entire Indian football ecosystem to come together as one.“This is the real moment to be a family. This is the real moment to be an Indian football family, all together. The clubs, the players, the fans. This is the moment to show the world that even if 10 per cent of the Indian population loves football, that’s 150 million people. But let’s be together,” Benali said.Dream Sports-owned FanCode is the official broadcaster of the ISL, having come onboard after a bid of Rs 8.62 crore. They further sub-licensed the TV broadcast rights to Sony Sports Network.
