Indian Super League club Northeast United had a disappointing campaign in 2022-23 as they finished 13th in the ISL table. But ahead of the 2023-24 season, have roped in the services of Juan Pedro Benali for the next season. Benali will replace Vincenzo Alberto Annese at the helm.
Benali will be the head coach of the first team on a 1+1 year deal, the club announced on their social media handles. The 56-year-old has coached a variety of teams in three different continents, Europe, Asia, and Africa. His best achievement as a coach came in 2008 with the Japanese club Vissel Kobe which resulted in their promotion to the J-League and winning the ‘Best Attack’ award in Japan.
As a manager with SC Berkane, Benali guided them to the African Super Cup finals in 2021. The Spaniard has also spent time in management positions at many top clubs including Athletico Madrid in 1999 and the Finland national team in 2008. He won the UAE Cup with Sharjah Football Club in 2003 as well as reaching the semi-finals of the Arab Cup with Moroccan club SCC Mohammedia in 2001.
Speaking on his new job, Benali said, “It is a great honour for me to accept the appointment as the Head Coach of NEUFC. I am incredibly excited to embark on this journey with the Club as we look to build a competitive team that can challenge at the highest levels.” The Spanish coach will have a tough task ahead as United finished last in the ISL table, garnering just five points in the whole season, losing 17 of the 20 matches and winning just one.
