Field Vision

East Bengal’s performance this season has been disappointing, to say the least. The once-glorious club, known for its rich history and passionate fanbase, finished 9th in the Indian Super League (ISL) last season despite a bright spark in winning the Super Cup.

That triumph raised hopes among fans that the club was on the path to resurgence. However, what followed has been a steady decline, and the early stages of the 2024—25 season are proving to be a nightmare for the Red and Gold Brigade.

With four consecutive defeats, concerns are mounting over whether head coach Carles Cuadrat is the right man to lead the team forward.

A Summer of Big Spending and Expectations

The summer transfer window saw East Bengal invest heavily in bolstering their squad. Big names like Dimitrios Diamantakos, Madih Talal, Jeakson Singh, and Anwar Ali were brought in, raising expectations that the club would finally shake off its underwhelming performances in recent seasons.

Fans believed that this significant outlay, combined with the tactical expertise of Cuadrat—who has an impressive resume, including leading Bengaluru FC to the ISL title in 2018-19—would turn things around.

However, the optimism quickly turned to frustration. Despite possessing a squad full of talent and experience, East Bengal’s performances have been lackluster, marred by defensive frailties, lack of creativity in midfield, and an inability to finish chances.

Cuadrat’s tactical approach, which once earned him plaudits for its discipline and structure, seems to have lost its effectiveness with this East Bengal side.

Tactical Stubbornness or Squad Imbalance?

Cuadrat’s coaching style is known for prioritizing defensive solidity and structured play, which worked wonders during his time at Bengaluru FC.

However, his rigid approach has come under scrutiny this season. The lack of fluidity in attack, coupled with a leaky defense, has left East Bengal looking out of sorts. There is a sense that Cuadrat is trying to impose a system on players who either do not fit or are not responding to his methods.

Despite signing quality players, there seems to be an imbalance in the squad. The midfield lacks fluidity, and the defensive unit appears disjointed. These issues suggest that while Cuadrat may have had some say in the transfers, there may have been a disconnect between the club’s vision and what the manager actually needed.

How Long Can Cuadrat Hold On?

Football is a results-driven business, and four consecutive losses at the start of a season inevitably invite questions about a manager’s future. East Bengal fans, known for their loyalty and passion, are running out of patience. The club’s management, too, must be considering their options as they watch the team languish at the bottom of the table after such a promising transfer window.

Cuadrat’s previous success in Indian football may have bought him some time, but how much longer can the club afford to wait? If the results don’t improve soon, the pressure on the Spanish coach will only intensify. East Bengal cannot afford to repeat last season’s mistakes. If the club is to challenge for honors and return to its former glory, tough decisions will need to be made.

The Verdict: Time for a Change?

While it’s still early in the season, the warning signs are there. Cuadrat may be a proven manager, but his tenure at East Bengal is hanging by a thread. Four consecutive defeats could be too much for the management to keep patience. If the next game against FC Goa this Friday does not yield a positive result, it could be time for the club to consider a new direction. The question is: how much longer is East Bengal willing to wait? The clock is ticking.