Benali’s Pre-Game Dig At Bagan Adds Edge To Their MG ISL Opener as Dilmperis Demands Intensity From The Mariners
Guwahati: NorthEast United FC begin their MG Indian Super League 2026-27 campaign against Mohun Bagan Super Giant on Monday, looking to make a strong start at home against the recently-crowned IFA Shield champions after contrasting fortunes in the competition.
NorthEast suffered a 7-2 defeat to East Bengal in the IFA Shield semifinal, while Mohun Bagan SG beat the same opponents 1-0 in the final on October 8. The Highlanders will now look to put that setback behind them, with head coach Juan Pedro Benali backing his squad’s depth and tactical flexibility to meet the challenge.
Benali has made no secret of his concerns about the visitors’ approach, accusing Mohun Bagan of using gamesmanship to influence matches. “They know how to lie, how to press the referees. I am not criticising them, it’s part of the game, they do it very well. They’re a very good team,” he said, while stressing that NorthEast must be prepared with “Plan A, Plan B, and even Plan C”.
The Highlanders have added depth ahead of the new campaign, with domestic recruit Pramveer Singh joining a group that includes overseas players Antonio Moyano, Eneko Satrústegui and Nikola Ninković. Benali will hope their versatility and competition for places help his side produce a more disciplined performance. The biggest injection is the return of Moroccan striker Allaeddine Ajaraie who spent last season on loan at Indonesian club Persija Jakarta. Ajaraie won the Golden Boot and the Golden Ball in the 2024-25 season, and NorthEast will hope he picks up from where he left.
Mohun Bagan have also strengthened, bringing in India international winger Lallianzuala Chhangte, Serbian attacker Dejan Dražić, Bosnian defender Samir Zeljković, Miguel Figueira and experienced defender Rahul Bheke. Dilmperis acknowledged that commitments across multiple competitions disrupted the Mariners’ usual pre-season conditioning, meaning the team may need time to consistently maintain his preferred high-intensity approach. His expectations, however, remain clear.
“The culture of the team demands wins. We should win. There is no other result,” he said.
New signing Lee Harry Erwin described playing for the historic club as “a pleasure rather than a pressure”. The Scottish forward will be among those looking to make an impact as Mohun Bagan carry their IFA Shield success into the league.
For NorthEast United FC, the priority is to turn squad depth into a convincing response. For Mohun Bagan Super Giant, it is to ensure their recent silverware translates into a winning start to the MG ISL.
The game kicks off at 7:30 PM IST on Monday, October 12, and will be broadcast live on the ISL YouTube Channel, Sony Sports 2, and SonyLIV.
