New Delhi [India]: According to the ISL’s official website, NorthEast United FC (NEUFC), a team in the Indian Super League (ISL), announced on Saturday that it and head coach Juan Pedro Benali had reached an agreement on a new two-year contract extension that would keep Benali with the team until the conclusion of the 2026–2027 season.

Since joining the team in May 2023, Benali has sparked a time of change for NorthEast United FC. He has had an immediate and significant influence, leading the squad to previously unheard-of heights.

He laid a solid basis for future success in his first job by leading the Highlanders to the historic Durand Cup semi-finals and bringing the team within one point of qualifying for the ISL playoffs.

Under Benali’s direction, the current season has seen an incredible comeback. By winning the Durand Cup, the first significant trophy in NorthEast United FC’s history, the team accomplished a historic milestone.

In addition, after a four-year break, the club has earned a coveted position in the Indian Super League (ISL) playoffs, demonstrating tremendous growth and satisfying the dreams of Northeast supporters. The Highlanders earned ‘home advantage’ for the playoffs, where they will face Jamshedpur FC, after finishing fourth in the ISL standings.

John Abraham, the owner of NorthEast United FC, expressed his happiness at the manager’s choice to remain and commended Juan’s leadership in the wake of the announcement.

“I am delighted that Juan Pedro Benali, our head coach, has agreed to a new deal with the team. Juan’s unquenchable desire for achievement and progress has been admirable in the manner he has assembled this squad. According to the ISL’s official website, Abraham said, “We have a vision for the club and we believe we can build something meaningful at NorthEast United FC with Juan at the helm.”

“I have a really unique connection to this football team. We have a clear idea of what we want to accomplish at this club thanks to John and Mandar. With this amazing group of players, the coaching staff, and the other personnel, I feel like I belong at NorthEast United FC after two seasons. We’re headed in the right path, we’re one big family, and together, we can create something special at NorthEast that the supporters will be proud of,” Juan Pedro Benali said.

Abraham’s views were mirrored by CEO Mandar Tamhane, who emphasized the value of continuity.

“The foundation of our endeavor at NorthEast United FC is continuity. The choice to extend Juan’s contract was simple. It reflects our commitment to continuity and our goal of empowering young people. We think that this long-term initiative will have a significant and long-lasting effect on Indian football and the growth of football in North East India,” Tamhane said.