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‘Earn the right to criticize’: NEUFC manager Juan Pedro Benali’s appeal to fans | Football News – The Tech Word News

February 18, 2026
File photo of Juan Pedro Benali of NorthEast United. (Image: X) On the eve of NorthEast United FC’s Indian Super League (ISL) opener against East Bengal FC, head coach Juan Pedro Benali played a deeply emotional yet clear-headed, urging fans to rally behind their teams while keeping the bigger picture of Indian football in mind.“It’s easy to criticize on social media. Buy tickets and watch your team, whether it’s NorthEast United FC, East Bengal FC or Kerala Blasters FC, make people feel that football is important,” he said, adding, “Rather than sitting at home and criticizing, not watching the matches, come to the stadiums.”

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The 56-year-old Spaniard stressed that even small acts of support can make a big difference and urged fans to go the extra mile for their clubs and the sport.“We know it’s a tough time, but support your team. Just for that Rs 100, 200 or 50 (price of a match ticket), it’s money. The sacrifice you make by traveling to watch a match, whether it’s 10, 20, 50 or 80 km, is a sacrifice.Acknowledging the frustrations surrounding Indian football, Benali made it clear that fans have every right to voice their opinions – but insisted that criticism should be linked to action.“The national team is not doing well because of… I understand. It’s your right (to express your opinion). Do it, but also help. Rs 200 for every match. Go to FanCode, pay Rs 299 for a season pass. Buy a subscription and watch NorthEast United FC (Team Pass). That’s what we ask from the fans. That’s the support. That’s the support. That’s the help. (supporting) hands, and not fans just talking,” he said.In a call for unity during what he described as a challenging phase, Benali urged fans to stand by their teams regardless of results or circumstances.“It’s not a moment to say North East won’t do well or go to League Two. No, it’s a moment to be with everyone, regardless of results. Be with your team, your players,” he added.He signed off on a broader challenge, calling on the entire Indian football ecosystem to come together as one.“This is a real moment to be a family. This is a real moment to be an Indian football family, all together. Clubs, players, fans. This is a moment to show the world that even if 10 percent of the Indian population loves football, it’s 150 million people. But let’s be together,” Benali said.FanCode owned by Dream Sports is the official broadcaster of the ISL which has emerged after an offer of Rs 8.62 crore. They further sub-licensed the television broadcast rights to Sony Sports Network.

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