ISL Coach Juan Pedro Benali Makes Emotional Plea for Fan Support in Indian Football
On the eve of NorthEast United FC's Indian Super League (ISL) season opener against East Bengal FC, head coach Juan Pedro Benali delivered a heartfelt and pragmatic message, urging supporters to rally behind their teams while keeping the broader development of Indian football in perspective.
From Criticism to Action: Benali's Call for Tangible Support
"It's easy to criticize on social media," Benali stated emphatically. "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." The 56-year-old Spanish coach continued with a direct appeal: "Rather than sitting at home and criticizing, not watching the games, come to the stadiums."
Benali emphasized that even modest contributions can create significant impact, encouraging fans to go the extra mile for their clubs and the sport overall. "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," he explained.
The Right to Criticize Comes Through Sacrifice
The experienced coach elaborated on the concept of earned criticism through active support. "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 criticize, and you can say, I helped my club," Benali added, framing fan involvement as an investment in their teams' success.
While acknowledging the frustrations surrounding Indian football's current state, Benali made it clear that fans have every right to express their opinions—but insisted that criticism should be balanced with concrete 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," he urged.
Specific Actions Fans Can Take to Support Clubs
Benali provided specific examples of how supporters can demonstrate their commitment:
- "Rs 200 for each game" - purchasing individual match tickets
- "Go to the FanCode, pay Rs 299 for the season pass" - subscribing to the official ISL broadcaster
- "Buy the subscription to watch NorthEast United FC Team Pass" - supporting specific clubs through dedicated packages
"That's what we're asking from the fans. That's the support. That's the help," Benali emphasized. "This is where the clubs can feel that they have supporting hands, and not the fans who only talk."
A Call for Unity During Challenging Times
In what he described as a difficult phase for Indian football, Benali appealed for unity 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 declared.
The coach concluded with a broader vision for Indian football's future, calling for collective action across the entire ecosystem. "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," Benali stated passionately.
The Potential of Indian Football's Fan Base
Benali highlighted the enormous potential of football in India, pointing to the sport's existing popularity. "This is the moment to show the world that even if 10 percent of the Indian population loves football, that's 150 million people. But let's be together," he urged, envisioning a unified front that could transform the sport's landscape.
The context of Benali's remarks includes FanCode's role as the official ISL broadcaster, having secured rights with a bid of Rs 8.62 crore. The platform has further sub-licensed television broadcast rights to Sony Sports Network, creating multiple avenues for fans to engage with the league.
Benali's message arrives at a crucial juncture for Indian football, as clubs prepare for the new ISL season amidst ongoing challenges facing the sport nationally. His appeal represents both a practical strategy for club sustainability and a philosophical approach to fan engagement in modern football culture.
