Our Sports Reporter
GUWAHATI: NorthEast United FC kicked off Durand Cup preparations with an open training session and media day held on Sunday at the Bhogeswar Baruah Sports Complex in Sarusajai.
Placed in Group E of the upcoming Durand Cup, NEUFC will face Malaysian Armed Forces, Rangdajied United FC, and Shillong Lajong FC in the group stage of the competition. All matches in this group will be hosted in Shillong, where NorthEast United will begin their campaign against Malaysian Armed Forces on August 2.
The full squad of NEUFC has already assembled in Guwahati and undergoing training session under the watchful eye of head coach Juan Pedro Benali. The club today hosted “NEUFC Club Day,” an open training and fan interaction event designed to connect supporters with players and mark the official start of the new season.
Speaking to the media after the training session, Coach Benali expressed his enthusiasm about returning to the Northeast.
“It feels great to come back home and get ready for the new season,” said Benali.
He emphasized that being the defending champions adds no extra pressure to the squad.
“We take one step at a time. Yes, we are the defending champions, but we are focused on our own process. The first game is always the most difficult and the most important. If we want to win the final, we first win that opening match.”
The press meet was also attended by NEUFC CEO Mandar Tamhane, captain Michel Zabaco, local star Parthiv Gogoi, and Redeem Tlang.
Captain Zabaco spoke positively about the team’s preparations, stating,
“We have three weeks to get ready. Our focus is on daily improvement, and we are committed to giving hundred percent to defend our title.”
Parthiv Gogoi, fresh from his stint with the Indian U-23 national team, shared that the experience has boosted his confidence. “It was a valuable experience that will help me take my game to the next level. I haven’t set individual goals yet—I just want to contribute to the team and help make this season memorable for NEUFC.”
Outlining the club’s vision, CEO Mandar Tamhane stated that NEUFC aims to represent India in continental competitions in the near future.
“That’s a big focus for us,” he said.
He also confirmed that, like last ISL season, this season too NEUFC will play some of their matches in Shillong.
“Guwahati is our base and we will begin our campaign here, but in the second phase of the season, we plan to play a few matches in Shillong as well.”
Tamhane further announced that the club’s grassroots development program will continue, with a new academy set to open soon in Shillong.
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