SportsPosted at: Oct 10 2026 8:24PM


NorthEast United face early test against Mohun Bagan as ISL season kicks off

New Delhi, Oct 10 (UNI) NorthEast United FC head coach Juan Pedro Benali wants his players to give their best on the pitch and make the most of their home advantage when they open their Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 campaign against Mohun Bagan Super Giant on Monday.
The Highlanders will take on the Kolkata giants at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on October 12, hoping to start the season with a win in front of their home fans. Benali believes his squad has the depth and versatility to adapt to different opponents, but stressed that consistency and competition for places will be key to the team’s performance this season.
“This year, we have a very balanced team. We have players who can play in different positions, depending on the opponent and the style we want to play. We need to be a consistent team, and having competition within the squad is important to ensure everyone is ready,” he said.
The opening fixture will put NorthEast United up against one of the league’s experienced sides. Benali acknowledged Mohun Bagan’s quality and said his team would need to be prepared for different tactical situations during the match.
“They are a fantastic team with a lot of quality and experience. We need to have Plan A, Plan B and even Plan C, depending on how they play and how we want to attack and defend against them,” he said.
For Benali, however, the immediate priority is simple: ensure his players are ready to compete and give supporters something to cheer about. He also called on fans to turn up in numbers and create a lively atmosphere at the stadium.
“I just want my players to be healthy and my fans to smile. I want the people to come to the games, see the stadium full and feel proud of their team. We have nothing to lose. We give everything on the pitch, and after the game, we move on to the next one,” he added.
NorthEast United will have little time to ease into the campaign against a formidable opponent, but Benali will hope that a disciplined performance and the backing of the home crowd can help his side begin the season on a winning note.UNI TB AAB
Tags: #NorthEast United face early test against Mohun Bagan as ISL season kicks off
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