Football
ISL: East Bengal, under Carles Cuadrat, set sights on reviving glory days
On the back of top summer signings, East Bengal coach Cuadrat's prime objective will be to make a top-four finish in the ISL 2024-25, if not win a crown jewel.
East Bengal FC coach Carles Cuadrat addressing the media ahead of their ISL 2024-25 opener against Bengaluru FC on September 12, 2024. (Photo credit: Torch Bearers/X)
East Bengal FC will be determined to pull themselves back into the elite level when they begin their Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 campaign against Bengaluru FC in an away clash on Saturday.
East Bengal coach Carles Cuadrat will hope that his team find their mojo back.
Last season, the Red and Gold brigade ended their 12-year trophy drought by winning the Super Cup in Bhubaneswar after they performed exceptionally well midway through the previous season.
However, they missed a top-six finish in the ISL 2023-24, despite staying in the race till the last game week. They finished ninth.
After several summer signings expectations have mounted on East Bengal and the club will seek a change in their fortune in the ISL.
The top buys for East Bengal in the transfer window were Dimitrios Diamantakos, who joined the Kolkata side from Kerala Blasters, and the top assist provider, Madih Talal, from Punjab FC. Both players have the calibre to turn things around for East Bengal.
They have also secured the service of Hector Yuste and Anwar Ali from arch-rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant. However, a four-month ban on Anwar for being found guilty of terminating his four-year contract with Mohun Bagan illegally. Though Anwar challenged his ban, his absence could make things tricky for East Bengal in the initial matches.
East Bengal also signed David Lalhlansanga, a talented youngster, from Mohammedan SC. Last season, David played a crucial role in Mohammedan's I-League triumph. India international Jeakson Singh was another crucial buy for East Bengal.
After their first match in Bengaluru, East Bengal will fly to Kochi to play Kerala Blasters on September 22. Their first home game is against FC Goa scheduled for September 27.
East Bengal squad for ISL 2024-25:
Goalkeepers: Prabhsukhan Singh Gill, Debjit Majumder
Defenders: Hijazi Maher, Lalchungnunga, Gursimrat Singh Gill, Nishu Kumar, Mark Zothanpuia, Mohamad Rakip, Provat Lakra
Midfielders: Souvik Chakrabarti, Saul Crespo, Jeakson Singh, Madih Talal, Vishnu P.V., Sayan Banerjee, Aman C.K., Tanmay Das, Shyamal Besra
Forwards: Cleiton Silva, Dimitrios Diamantakos, David Lalhlansanga, Naorem Mahesh Singh, Nandhakumar Sekar
Who could be East Bengal's key player?
Dimitrios, who scored the highest number of goals (13) for Kerala Blasters FC last season to win the prestigious Golden Boot award, will look to retain his form while playing in the Red and Gold jersey in the new season.
The 31-year-old Greek forward joined East Bengal with a wealth of experience. He has already dazzled for the Red and Gold brigade at the Durand Cup.
With his goal-scoring prowess, he will aim to win the hearts of millions of East Bengal fans.
What to expect?
Coach Cuadrat brought a pragmatic approach to coaching at East Bengal. His focus is on winning set pieces and solidifying defence. His approach emphasises scoring goals from counterattack.
After building a strong squad, Cuadrat will look to change East Bengal's fortune. Last season, he took over the charge of the battered and bruised club, but could not help them rise in the ISL standings as they fizzled out at the final phase. This season, his prime objective will be to make a top-four finish, if not winning a crown jewel.
