‘Buy tickets, make people feel football is important: NorthEast United coach Juan Pedro Benali’s emotional plea to Indian fans

“We know it is a difficult moment, but support your team. Just for that ₹100, ₹200 or ₹50 (match ticket price), it’s money. 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 criticise, and you can say, ‘I helped my club,'” he added.

Benali further expressed that fans have every right to voice their opinion regarding the current state of Indian football, but also stressed the need for tangible support.

“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. That’s what we’re asking from the fans. That’s the support. That’s the help. This is where the clubs can feel that they have (supporting) hands, and not the fans who only talk,” he said.

Calling for unity

Calling for unity during a challenging period, Benali urged supporters to stand by their clubs regardless of results.

“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 added.

“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. This is the moment to show the world that even if 10 per cent of the Indian population loves football, that’s 150 million people. But let’s be together,” Benali said.