Field Vision

The Red and Gold have started their ISL campaign with a loss away at Bengaluru.

In Indian football, few teams command the history and passion that East Bengal does. A club with a legacy steeped in glory and a fan base that lives and breathes every moment of its success and failure, East Bengal has always been held to high standards. Yet, under the current stewardship of Spanish coach Carles Cuadrat, the Red and Gold Brigade finds itself in an alarming slump.

Despite assembling a squad rich in talent and bolstering their ranks with key signings in the transfer window, the team has suffered three consecutive defeats in as many competitions. These losses have raised eyebrows and sparked serious concerns about the team’s current trajectory.

For a club that invested heavily in both domestic and international players, East Bengal’s lackluster performances have been nothing short of perplexing. On paper, they have one of the most formidable squads in Indian football, blending seasoned Indian talents with high-profile foreign signings.

Names like Nandhakumar Sekar, Jeakson Singh, and Naorem Mahesh Singh provide a strong foundation, while the arrival of French playmaker Madih Talal added creativity to the midfield and the inclusion of the golden boot winner from the previous season — Dimitrios Diamantakos adding to the firepower upfront.

However, despite these resources, the team’s on-field performances have been woefully underwhelming, leaving fans questioning whether this East Bengal side is truly the sum of its parts.

East Bengal’s latest setbacks: a 1—0 defeat to Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) opener, a 2—1 loss to Shillong Lajong FC in the Durand Cup quarter-final, and an exit in the AFC Champions League Two qualifying rounds — have magnified the fragility of Cuadrat’s system.

Each competition showcased a recurring theme: defensive disorganization, lack of attacking cohesion, and an absence of tactical flexibility. While their opponents weren’t necessarily dominant, they were able to expose East Bengal’s weaknesses with relative ease.

Defensively, East Bengal’s frailties have been a glaring issue. Their backline, often porous and disjointed, has repeatedly left the goalkeeper vulnerable. Even when not under immense pressure, simple errors in positioning and lapses in concentration have cost the team dearly. The lack of communication and coordination among defenders has resulted in opposition attackers finding gaps with ease.

This was evident in their latest defeat to Bengaluru FC, where Bengaluru was able to exploit a defensive lapse to score the decisive goal. What was even more concerning was East Bengal’s inability to respond or mount a serious challenge after falling behind.

Cuadrat, who previously enjoyed success with Bengaluru FC, was expected to bring stability and a winning mentality to East Bengal. His tactical acumen, particularly his emphasis on defensive solidity and organized pressing, was seen as the perfect antidote to the club’s struggles in recent years.

However, so far, his methods have failed to translate into results. The team looks unbalanced, often lacking the kind of tactical clarity and discipline needed to navigate through difficult matches. At times, it feels as if the players are uncertain about their roles on the pitch, leading to a lack of fluidity in their transitions from defense to attack.

One of the most glaring concerns is East Bengal’s inability to create meaningful chances in the final third. Despite having quality forwards like Dimitrios Diamantakos, Nandhakumar Sekar and Naorem Mahesh Singh, the team’s attack has been painfully toothless.

The midfield, rather than being the engine room for creativity, often appears disconnected, resorting to hopeful long balls or relying on individual moments of brilliance instead of building cohesive attacking patterns. The absence of a clear attacking strategy has rendered East Bengal predictable, allowing opponents to comfortably contain their forwards.

Moreover, the team’s mentality appears to be fragile. In each of their recent defeats, East Bengal has struggled to respond after conceding a goal. There seems to be a lack of resilience or belief in their ability to turn the tide, which is particularly worrying for a club that has prided itself on its fighting spirit. The players seem dispirited, and the energy and hunger needed to claw back into matches are conspicuously absent.

The pressure on Cuadrat is mounting. Fans, who had hoped for a resurgence under his leadership, are growing increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress. East Bengal’s passionate supporters are known for their unwavering loyalty, but even their patience has its limits. For a club of such stature, mediocrity is simply not acceptable. If results don’t improve soon, questions about Cuadrat’s future at the helm are likely to intensify.

Ultimately, the situation East Bengal finds itself in is baffling, given the talent at their disposal. On paper, this is a team capable of challenging for silverware, yet their performances suggest otherwise. If Carles Cuadrat and his team are to reverse this downward spiral, urgent changes are needed—both tactically and mentally.

The coaching staff must find a way to instill belief and discipline into this squad, while also implementing a more coherent style of play. The clock is ticking, and unless there is a swift turnaround, East Bengal’s season could unravel before it has truly begun.