We can’t let Jamshedpur FC play their natural game: Benali

OUR SPORTS REPORTER

GUWAHATI: NorthEast United FC is gearing up to play their crucial play-off match against Jamshedpur FC in Shillong on March 30. In a conversation wit with media, the team’s head coach, Juan Pedro Benali, who is celebrating his 56th birthday on Tuesday, also took questions from The Sentinel and shared his thoughts on the upcoming game, the season so far, and his future with the club.

Here is the excerpt.

 Q: NEUFC are now in the playoffs. Are you focused on targeting the title, or are you taking it one match at a time?

Benali: We are focused on the most important game right now, which is on March 30. We're not thinking beyond this match. Jamshedpur FC is a very difficult team, and their style of play is hard to control, so we're concentrating fully on the upcoming match.

Q: It's a knockout game. Will there be any pressure on your team?

Benali: No, I don't think so. The pressure will be the same on both teams. The key will be which team can stay calm and be patient on that day. The one who does that will have the better chance of winning.

Q: NEUFC managed to score 7 goals against Jamshedpur FC this season. Does that give you confidence going into the playoffs?

Benali: That’s in the past now. We can't focus on that. If we start thinking about the seven goals we've scored against them earlier, it would be a mistake. Jamshedpur is a strong team, and they finished with the same number of points as we did in the group stage. We know they won’t make it easy for us.

Q: Looking back at the season, what do you think were the key factors that helped NEUFC reach the playoffs?

Benali: Patience was key. Things don’t always stay the same – sometimes you play well, sometimes you don’t. There were times we didn’t do as well, and people criticized us, but we took it in stride. My theory is simple: keep pushing yourself to achieve the best result. We have a large squad with a good mix of experience and youth, and everyone has given their best. That’s why we’re in this position today.

Q: Ajaraie, who is in prolific form and scored four goals against Jamshedpur FC earlier, is likely to be heavily marked in this game. How do you plan to counter that?

Benali: This is the third time we’re facing each other this season, so we know each other well by now. Jamshedpur is strong on set pieces, corners, and throw-ins. We can't allow them to play in their natural game, so our focus will be on stopping their key strengths, and we have a plan to do that.

Q: After a successful season, what motivated you to renew your contract with NEUFC?

Benali: I feel like NEUFC is my second home. We have great management, amazing support staff, talented players, and the fans are incredible. The club has done everything to make us feel comfortable, and that’s been a big factor in my decision to stay.

Q: How do you see the future of NEUFC and your role in helping the club achieve its long-term goals?

Benali: Right now, I’m not thinking beyond March 30. That day is extremely important for us, and we’re fully focused on it. Once the season is over, we’ll sit down and plan for the future together.

ALSO READ: Pune to host Billie Jean King Cup Asia-Oceania Group-1 tournament

ALSO WATCH: