“We Have Nothing to Lose”: Juan Pedro Benali Backs NorthEast United to Challenge Mohun Bagan in ISL Opener

The Highlanders begin their ISL 2026-27 campaign at home on October 12, with head coach Juan Pedro Benali emphasising tactical flexibility, squad competition and fearless football against the defending heavyweights.

NorthEast United FC will begin their Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 campaign with a demanding home fixture against Mohun Bagan Super Giant at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Monday, October 12. Ahead of the season opener, head coach Juan Pedro Benali has urged his players to approach the contest without fear, stressing that tactical adaptability and a collective commitment will be central to the Highlanders’ ambitions this season.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference alongside defender Tondonba Ngasepam, Benali discussed his assessment of the squad, the challenge posed by Mohun Bagan and his expectations for the campaign. While acknowledging the quality and experience of their opening opponents, the NorthEast United coach made it clear that his priority extends beyond the result of one match: he wants a competitive team that gives its supporters reasons to be proud.

The opening fixture will provide an immediate test of those ambitions, with NorthEast United looking to make home advantage count against one of the league’s most established sides.

One of Benali’s central messages ahead of the new season was the importance of having players capable of performing in different positions. The coach believes NorthEast United possess a balanced squad that can adapt to different opponents and tactical demands. Such flexibility could prove particularly valuable across a long league campaign, where teams must respond to varying playing styles, injuries and changes in match situations.

“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,” Benali said.

He also emphasised the importance of competition within the squad, suggesting that players must remain ready to contribute whenever called upon. “We need to be a consistent team, and having competition within the squad is important to ensure everyone is ready,” he added.

For NorthEast United, consistency will be a key objective as they begin the campaign. Tactical versatility can give a team multiple ways to approach a match, but translating that flexibility into results requires clear roles, effective communication and disciplined execution. The opening game against Mohun Bagan will provide an early indication of how effectively NorthEast United can put those principles into practice.

Mohun Bagan’s quality demands multiple plans

Benali was under no illusions about the difficulty of the opening assignment. Mohun Bagan Super Giant possess considerable quality and experience, making them a formidable opponent for any team beginning a new campaign. Rather than committing to a single tactical approach, the NorthEast United coach stressed the need to prepare for different possibilities 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. The statement highlights the tactical challenge awaiting NorthEast United. Against an experienced opponent, the ability to recognise changes in the game and respond effectively can be as important as the initial match plan.

NorthEast United will need to balance their attacking intent with defensive organisation, particularly when Mohun Bagan attempt to establish control. Equally, the Highlanders must be prepared to exploit opportunities when the opposition leaves space or changes its approach.

Benali’s emphasis on alternative plans suggests that adaptability will be a defining feature of his team's preparations. The challenge will be ensuring that tactical adjustments do not come at the expense of cohesion or confidence.

Despite the difficulty of the fixture, Benali wants his team to approach the occasion with freedom and determination rather than allowing the opposition’s reputation to become a source of pressure. “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,” the coach said.

The message reflects a focus on effort, commitment and the relationship between the club and its supporters.

For NorthEast United, the home opener offers an opportunity to build early momentum in front of their fans. A strong performance against Mohun Bagan would provide an encouraging foundation for the season, while the team's response to difficult moments could be equally important in establishing its identity.

Benali’s approach also places the opening fixture within the broader context of the campaign. Rather than treating the result as a definitive judgement on the team's prospects, he wants his players to compete fully and then move forward to the next challenge.

Tondonba Ngasepam and the challenge ahead

Defender Tondonba Ngasepam joined Benali at the press conference, underlining the defensive dimension of NorthEast United’s preparations. Against an opponent described by the coach as technically strong and experienced, defensive discipline will be particularly important. The Highlanders will need to remain organised, limit avoidable mistakes and respond collectively when placed under pressure.

At the same time, a cautious approach alone is unlikely to be enough. NorthEast United must find ways to create attacking opportunities while maintaining the structure needed to prevent Mohun Bagan from exploiting spaces.

The balance between those responsibilities could shape the contest.

NorthEast United enter the ISL 2026-27 season with a clear message from their head coach: compete fearlessly, adapt to the opponent and give everything on the pitch. Mohun Bagan’s quality makes the opener a demanding assignment, but it also offers the Highlanders an opportunity to make an early statement about their ambitions.

Benali has emphasised squad depth, consistency and tactical flexibility, while placing equal importance on entertaining football and making supporters proud. The immediate challenge is to translate those objectives into a disciplined performance at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium.

For the Highlanders, the season begins with a formidable test. Their response on Monday will offer the first glimpse of whether Benali’s balanced and adaptable squad can turn its ambition into results.